Plasma ascorbate and vitamin E levels in Hong Kong Chinese

Area of Science:

• Nutritional biochemistry
• Human physiology
• Public health

Background:

• Vitamin E and ascorbate are crucial antioxidants with potential roles in cardiovascular health.
• Previous studies suggest variations in vitamin levels based on ethnicity, age, and sex.
• Hong Kong Chinese populations exhibit a low risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine fasting plasma concentrations of total vitamin E and lipid-standardised vitamin E (Vit E(LS)) in Hong Kong Chinese.
• To investigate potential differences in these vitamin levels related to age, diet, and sex.
• To assess plasma ascorbate levels and compare age- and sex-related differences with Western populations.

Main Methods:

• An observational study was conducted in Hong Kong.
• 150 randomly selected Chinese subjects participated.
• Fasting plasma concentrations of ascorbate, total vitamin E, and lipid-standardised vitamin E (Vit E(LS)) were measured.

Main Results:

• Plasma Vit E(LS) concentrations were higher in women (mean 3.82 micromol/mmol) than in men (mean 3.37 micromol/mmol).
• Plasma Vit E(LS) concentrations in men showed a decrease with increasing age.
• Plasma ascorbate concentrations did not exhibit significant age- or sex-related differences.

Conclusions:

• The hypothesis of high plasma Vit E(LS) in Hong Kong Chinese was not supported.
• Observed sex differences and age-related decrease in plasma Vit E(LS) in men were not solely explained by dietary intake.
• Increased vitamin C intake may mitigate age- and sex-related differences in plasma ascorbate, unlike in Western populations.