Vitamin A and E status in healthy elderly Chinese in Hong Kong

Daily intakes of retinol and beta-carotene equivalents, plasma retinol, retinol binding protein and plasma vitamin E were estimated in a cluster sample of apparently healthy elderly subjects aged 60 years and over in Hong Kong leading an active life in the community. Intakes were available from 418 and plasma measurements from 385 subjects. There were no age or sex differences in intakes. Plasma retinol and retinol binding protein levels showed no sex- or age-related difference, while plasma vitamin E levels were higher in women. Retinol binding protein, plasma retinol and plasma vitamin E levels were comparable to published values for Chinese and Caucasians of all ages. Vitamin A and E status appears to be adequate in this elderly Chinese population.