[Evaluation on the nutritional status of carotenoid in healthy elder people]

The possible relations between carotenoid status and their health indicators were investigated in an elderly group aged 60-75 years. Fasting serum samples were taken from 41 healthy subjects (20 men and 21 women). The concentrations of carotenoids and vitamin A of serum samples were assayed by HPLC. The results showed that vitamin A level of seven subjects was lower than 0.3 mg/L. Lutein and Zeaxanthin were the predominant carotenoids in serum. The concentration of total carotenoids had inverse correlations with blood glucose, serum cholesterol and triglyceride, and blood pressure. Carotenoids were inversely and significantly correlated with diastolic pressure and body mass index.