Positive Health Online

Abstract

PEDERSEN and colleagues, Primary Health Care Clinic, Nuuk, Greenland. Hsp@greennet.gl. write that Greenlanders (Eskimos) have a low prevalence of heart disease, which may be partly explained by a lower extent of atherosclerosis and a low n-6/n-3 ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids . Because atherosclerosis may also be the result of oxidative stress, total antioxidative readiness may have a significant impact. The authors surveyed the diet and levels of antioxidants CoQ10 and selenium in Greenlanders eating a traditional diet .

Background

Methodology

The authors conducted a health survey from the subpopulation from the most remote area of Greenland, where the people ate a traditional diet with a high intake of sea mammals and fish.

Results

The mean of S-CoQ10 (Selenium-Coenzyme Q10) in men was 1.495 nmol/ml and 1.421 nmol/ml in women, significantly higher compared to the Danish population. The S-CoQ10 level was significantly positively associated with age and S-selenium in males, and S-total cholesterol in females.

Conclusion

The high level of CoQ10 in Greenlanders probably reflects their diet, as no bioaccumulation occurs. Their particular diet may be a substantial part of their antioxidative defense .

References

Pedersen HS et al. High serum coenzyme Q10, positively correlated with age, selenium and cholesterol, in Inuit of Greenland. A pilot study. Biofactors 9(2-4): 319-23. 1999.