Lipoprotein cholesterol, vitamin A, and vitamin E in an alcoholic population

Elevated alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Reasons for this association are not well established but may relate to alterations in cholesterol, vitamin A (carotene and retinol), and vitamin E metabolism, since low levels of these factors have been linked to risk of cancer. Blood levels of cholesterol, carotene, retinol, and vitamin E were determined in 192 male alcoholics entering into an alcohol detoxification program. Compared to nonalcoholic populations, their cholesterol (187 mg/dl) and carotene (94 micrograms/dl) concentrations were markedly reduced at entrance; however, abstinence of 33 days returned both to normal levels. In contrast, the retinol and vitamin E levels were within the normal range at baseline and remained relatively stable throughout rehabilitation. Of particular interest was that the low density lipoprotein cholesterol was highly correlated with carotene (r = +0.40, whites, r = +0.54, blacks). The results suggest that alterations in the metabolism of cholesterol and carotene, due to alcohol intake, may partially account for the relationship of alcohol to increased cancer risk.