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Reference values for alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene in the Whitehall II Study
N C Armstrong1, G Paganga, E Brunner
1International Antioxidant Research Centre, UMDS-Guy's Hospital, London.
Free Radical Research
|August 1, 1997
Summary
This study established reference intervals for plasma alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene in British Civil Servants. Beta-carotene levels were higher in women, and the alpha-tocopherol/cholesterol ratio differed between male smokers and non-smokers.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional biochemistry and epidemiology
- Cardiovascular disease research
Background:
- The Whitehall II Study is a longitudinal investigation into cardiovascular disease.
- Understanding reference ranges for antioxidant nutrients is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine reference intervals for plasma alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene.
- To investigate factors influencing these nutrient levels and their ratios in a large cohort.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of plasma alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, and serum lipids.
- Non-parametric reference interval determination in 7177 British Civil Servants.
- Age-adjusted statistical analysis to explore sex and smoking status differences.
Main Results:
- Established non-parametric reference intervals for plasma alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene.
- Plasma beta-carotene was significantly higher in women than men.
- The alpha-tocopherol/cholesterol ratio was higher in male current and ex-smokers compared to never-smokers.
Conclusions:
- Provides updated reference values for key antioxidant nutrients.
- Highlights potential sex-based differences in beta-carotene levels.
- Suggests an unexplained association between smoking status and the alpha-tocopherol/cholesterol ratio in men.