Concentraciones plasmáticas de carotenos y vitaminas antioxidantes en personas de edad avanzadainfluencia del tabaquismo. Proyecto HALE

Abstract

Introduction Carotene and antioxidant vitamins are associated with lower arteriosclerotic risk and coronary disease. This association is supported by studies showing that smoking modifies the nutritional status of these micronutrients. Plasma levels of carotene and antioxidant vitamins in nonsmokers, former smokers, and current smokers were analysed. Patients and methods 2,200 elderly inhabitants 1,091 men, 1,109 women born between 1913 and 1918 of 19 European towns: Hamme (Belgium); Roskilde (Denmark); Chateau Renault-Amboise, Haguenau and Romans (France); Markopoulo (Greece); Anogia-Archanes (Crete); Monor (Hungary); Padua, Fara Sabina-Magliano Sabina-Poggio Mirteto (Italy); Culemborg (The Netherlands); Elverum (Norway); Vila Franca de Xila (Portugal); Betanzos (Spain); Yverdon-lesbains, Burdorf and Bellinzona (Switzerland) were randomly selected to participate in the baseline study (1988-1989) of the SENECA project (Survey in Europe on Nutrition and the Elderly, a Concerted Action) from the European Union. Smoking was assessed using a standardised questionnaire and categorised as-non, former and current smoker. Blood samples were collected and biochemical parameters: plasma levels of carotene, retinol and a-tocopherol by HPLC and folic acid by radioimmuno assay kits were measured at central laboratories, according to a strictly standardised methodology. Statistical analysis was perfomed out using the R-SIGMA 2 programme. Results Male current smokers had levels (P50) of carotene (0.34 μmol/l; p < 0.001) and retinol (1.98 μmol/l; p < 0.01) lower than non-smokers (0.53; 2.0 μmol/l), respectively, whereas intermediate levels were observed in former smokers; carotene was the strongest parameter related to smoking consumption (r = -0.170; p < 0.006; Spearman). The marginal and deficient levels were less prevalent among non-smokers. atocopherol levels over 30 μmol/l or a-tocopherol/cholesterol ratios over 5.2 mmol/mol, with protective effects against cardiovascular disease, were more prevalent among non-smokers than current smokers. Conclusions According to the results, smoking cessation would be the first measure advised. Current smokers, even former smokers, would require a diet rich in fruit and vegetables with a high antioxidant vitamin content, which would allow them to achieve the same nutritional status as non-smokers.