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Serum carotenoids, alpha-tocopherol, and lung function among Dutch elderly
L Grievink1, F G de Waart, E G Schouten
1Division of Human Nutrition and Epidemiology, Wageningen University and Research Center, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|March 11, 2000
Summary
Antioxidant vitamins like alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lycopene may protect lung function in older adults. Higher levels of these carotenoids are linked to better lung capacity and reduced decline over time.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Epidemiology
- Gerontology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Antioxidant vitamins, including carotenoids, are hypothesized to mitigate oxidative stress, potentially protecting against age-related lung function decline.
- Maintaining lung function in the elderly is crucial for overall health and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum concentrations of specific carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein) and alpha-tocopherol with lung function (FEV(1) and FVC) in elderly individuals.
- To identify which antioxidant vitamins may play a protective role in preserving lung function in aging populations.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 528 noninstitutionalized Dutch elderly individuals aged 65-85 years.
- Serum levels of six major carotenoids and alpha-tocopherol were measured and categorized into quintiles.
- Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the association between antioxidant levels and lung function (FEV(1), FVC), adjusting for age, gender, height, and smoking history (pack-years).
Main Results:
- Higher serum levels of alpha-carotene and beta-carotene were significantly associated with improved forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)). Specifically, individuals in the highest quintile of beta-carotene showed a 195 ml higher FEV(1), and those in the highest quintile of alpha-carotene showed a 257 ml higher FEV(1) compared to the lowest quintile.
- Significant positive trends were observed between serum levels of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lycopene with FEV(1).
- Positive trends were also noted between alpha-carotene and beta-carotene with forced vital capacity (FVC).
- No significant associations were found between the highest quintiles of beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, or alpha-tocopherol and lung function parameters (FEV(1) or FVC) compared to the lowest quintiles.
Conclusions:
- Serum alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lycopene are positively associated with better lung function (FEV(1) and FVC) in elderly individuals.
- These specific carotenoids warrant further investigation for their potential role in preventing lung function decline in aging populations.
- While other studied antioxidants did not show significant associations, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lycopene emerge as key candidates for future research on lung health in the elderly.