Plasma carotenoids, tocopherols and retinol - Association with age in the Berlin Aging Study II

Publication date: Available online 13 February 2020Source: Redox BiologyAuthor(s): Daniela Weber, Bastian Kochlik, Ilja Demuth, Elisabeth Steinhagen-Thiessen, Tilman Grune, Kristina NormanAbstractRegular consumption of fruits and vegetables, which is related to high plasma levels of lipid-soluble micronutrients such as carotenoids and tocopherols, is linked to lower incidences of various age-related diseases. Differences in lipid-soluble micronutrient blood concentrations seem to be associated with age. Our retrospective analysis included men and women aged 22–37 and 60–85 years from the Berlin Aging Study II. Participants with simultaneously available plasma samples and dietary data were included (n = 1,973). Differences between young and old groups were found for plasma lycopene, α-carotene, α-tocopherol, β-cryptoxanthin (only in women), and γ-tocopherol (only in men). β-Carotene, retinol and lutein/zeaxanthin did not differ between young and old participants regardless of the sex. We found significant associations for lycopene, α-carotene (both inverse), α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and β-carotene (all positive) with age. Adjusting for BMI, smoking status, season, cholesterol and dietary intake confirmed these associations, except for β-carotene. These micronutrients are important antioxidants and associated with lower incidence of age-related diseases, therefore it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms in order to implement dietary strategi...
Source: Redox Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: research