Positive Health Online

Abstract

GALE and colleagues, MRC Environmental Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK, crg@mrc.soton.ac.uk, investigated a possible relationship between antioxidant vitamin status and atherosclerosis of the carotid artery in the elderly.

Background

Initiation of the atherosclerotic process is believed to crucially involve oxidative metabolism of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Antioxidant vitamins can help prevent oxidation of LDL. High consumption or high blood levels of such vitamins has been associated with a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease. Few studies have looked at the effects of antioxidant vitamins in the early atherogenic process.

Methodology

Study subjects were 468 men or women aged 66 to 75 years living in Sheffield, UK. Intima media thickness and degree of stenosis in the extracranial carotid arteries were measured using duplex ultrasonography. Fasting plasma levels of vitamins C and E and beta-carotene were measured. Data were adjusted for age and cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Results

In men, a 20% higher plasma vitamin C level was associated with a 0.004 mm smaller intima media thickness, and a 20% higher beta-carotene level was associated with a 0.005 mm smaller intima media thickness. Men with low plasma levels of beta-carotene and cholesterol-adjusted vitamin E were 2.5 times as likely to have carotid stenosis of >30%, compared with men with high plasma levels of these vitamins. Among the women, there were no significant associations between plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins and either intima media thickness or carotid stenosis.

Conclusion

In men, high antioxidant vitamin status may reduce the risk of early atherosclerotic lesions.

References

Gale CR et al. Antioxidant vitamin status and carotid atherosclerosis in the elderly. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 74 (3): 402-8. Sep 2001. @i:74