Longitudinal associations between body mass index and serum carotenoids: the CARDIA study

Cross-sectional studies report an inverse association between BMI and serum carotenoid concentration. The present study examined the prospective association between BMI and the serum concentration of five carotenoids in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Serum carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin/lutein, lycopene), BMI, dietary intake, physical activity and dietary supplement use were measured at years 0 and 7 in 3071 black and white male and female participants, who were either persistent smokers or non-smokers. Among non-smokers, year 0 BMI predicted year 7 serum carotenoid levels: obese subjects (BMI ≥30kg/m2) had an average concentration of the sum of four carotenoids (α-carotene +β-carotene + zeaxanthin/lutein +β-cryptoxanthin)that was 22% lower than the concentration among subjects with a BMI of less than 22kg/m2. In contrast, the sum of carotenoids among smokers was only 6% lower. Relationships between BMI and serum lycopene were weak. The change from year 0 to year 7 in serum carotenoids, except for lycopene, was inversely associated with the change in BMI among non-smokers but not among smokers. Parallel findings were observed for BMI and serum γ-glutamyl transferase level. In summary, the observation that BMI predicted the evolution of serum carotenoids during a 7-year follow-up among young non-smoking adults is consistent with the hypothesis that carotenoids are decreased in protecting against oxidative stress generated by adipose tissue, while smokers maintain a minimal level of serum carotenoids independent of adiposity. The results for lycopene were, however, discordant from those of the other carotenoids.

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Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Some Fresh and Canned Aromatic Herbs

Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca Food Science and Technology ◽

10.15835/buasvmcn-fst:2018.0012 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 75 (2) ◽

pp. 180

Author(s):

Sanda ANDREI ◽

Andrea BUNEA ◽

Constantin BELE ◽

Cristina TUDOR ◽

Adela PINTEA

Keyword(s):

Antioxidant Activity ◽

High Performance ◽

Chlorophyll Concentration ◽

Average Concentration ◽

Total Carotenoid ◽

Total Polyphenols ◽

Total Polyphenol ◽

Carotenoid Concentration ◽

Β Carotene ◽

Aromatic Herbs

The chlorophylls, carotenoids, total polyphenols contents and antioxidant activity in fresh and stored Parsley, celery and dill leaves were comparatively determined by spectrophotometric and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. Results indicated that freezing does not induce significant changes in chlorophyll concentration. Drying induces significant decreases, varying according to the analyzed plant; parsley (60%), followed by dill (56.4%) and celery (45.3%). The carotenoids identified in all plants were lutein, b-carotene and cis-β-carotene. Fresh parsley leaves showed the highest total carotenoid concentration (21.64 mg/100g FW), followed by celery (15.41 mg/100g FW) and dill (14.95 mg/100g FW). Total polyphenols had an average concentration of 2.15 mg/g FW in parsley; 2.7 mg/g FW in dill and almost the double, 4.13 mg/g FW in celery. Drying of leaves induced a decrease with approximately 50% of the total polyphenol concentration, while freezing, did not significantly affect it. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in the dill, followed by parsley and celery. In both types of methods (freezing and drying in the oven), decreases in antioxidant activity were observed.

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Abstract P071: Association Between Polyunsaturated Fat Consumption and Hypertension among Statin Users and Non-users

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.129.suppl_1.p071 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 129 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

James N Kiage ◽

Uchechukwu K Sampson ◽

Loren Lipworth ◽

Sergio Fazio ◽

Qilu Yu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Statin Therapy ◽

Inverse Association ◽

Cardiovascular Risk Reduction ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pufa Intake ◽

Black And White ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Fat Consumption ◽

Statin Use

Background: Numerous prospective studies suggest inverse associations between intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and cardiovascular outcomes. However, recent randomized studies have failed to demonstrate these benefits. One of the prevailing hypotheses is that the beneficial effects of PUFA may now be masked by the widespread use of statins, which lower lipids and blood pressure and are potent modulators of cardiovascular risk. Hypothesis: We tested the hypothesis that the association between PUFA and hypertension varies by statin use. Methods and Results: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis based on 74,658 black and white men and women in the Southern Community Cohort Study. Intake of PUFA was assessed by a food-frequency questionnaire, while history of diagnosed hypertension and statin use were self-reported. The mean±SD age was 52±9 years, body mass index was 30±8 kg/m 2 , and energy intake from PUFA was 8.0±1.8%. Sixty percent of the participants were women and 68% were African Americans. Hypertension (55%), statin use (16%), smoking (40%) and alcohol use (55%) were common in this cohort. In an adjusted logistic model with hypertension as the dependent variable, there was no interaction between PUFA intake and statin therapy ( P =0.13), whereas a significant inverse association was evident between PUFA intake and hypertension among non-statin users ( P for trend = 0.03) but not among statin users ( P for trend = 0.36) ( Table ). Conclusion: In conclusion, these results support a beneficial effect of PUFA consumption on hypertension, which is only apparent in the absence of statin therapy. These findings underscore the need to stratify by statin therapy when randomizing participants to cardiovascular interventions and support the notion that PUFA may be important in cardiovascular risk reduction in patients where statin therapy is not an option.

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Higher serum carotenoid concentrations associated with a lower prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s000711451400316x ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 112 (12) ◽

pp. 2041-2048 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Jun Liu ◽

Wen-qi Shi ◽

Yi Cao ◽

Li-ping He ◽

Ke Guan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Lower Prevalence ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Chinese Adults ◽

Total Carotenoids ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Elderly Chinese ◽

Serum Carotenoids ◽

Β Carotene

The association between serum carotenoids and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains uncertain, and little is known about this relationship in the Chinese population. The present study examined the association between serum carotenoid concentrations and the MetS in Chinese adults. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study in which 2148 subjects (1547 women and 601 men) aged 50–75 years were recruited in urban Guangzhou, China. Dietary data and other covariates were collected during face-to-face interviews. Blood pressure, waist circumference, blood lipids, glucose and serum carotenoids (α-, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin) were examined. We found dose–response inverse relationships between individual serum carotenoid concentrations and total carotenoids and the prevalence of the MetS after adjusting for potential confounders (P for trend < 0·001). The OR of the MetS for the highest (v. lowest) quartile were 0·31 (95 % CI 0·20, 0·47) for α-carotene, 0·23 (95 % CI 0·15, 0·36) for β-carotene, 0·44 (95 % CI 0·29, 0·67) for β-cryptoxanthin, 0·39 (95 % CI 0·26, 0·58) for lycopene, 0·28 (95 % CI 0·18, 0·44) for lutein+zeaxanthin and 0·19 (95 % CI 0·12, 0·30) for total carotenoids. Higher concentrations of each individual carotenoid and total carotenoids were significantly associated with a decrease in the number of abnormal MetS components (P for trend < 0·001–0·023). Higher serum carotenoid levels were associated with a lower prevalence of the MetS and fewer abnormal MetS components in middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults.

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Goal-striving Stress and Self-concept: The Moderating Role of Perceived Divine Control

Society and Mental Health ◽

10.1177/2156869317717767 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 141-156 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Reed T. DeAngelis

Keyword(s):

Self Esteem ◽

Self Concept ◽

Health Study ◽

Future Research ◽

Inverse Association ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Davidson County ◽

Black And White ◽

Goal Striving ◽

Stress And Health

No study has investigated whether personal religiousness could modulate goal-striving stress. To address this gap in the literature, the current study tests whether beliefs in divine control moderate the associations between goal-striving stress and self-concept (i.e. self-esteem and mastery). I analyze cross-sectional data from Vanderbilt University’s Nashville Stress and Health Study (2011-2014), a probability sample of non-Hispanic black and white adults aged 22 to 69 living in Davidson County, Tennessee (n = 1,252). Results from multivariate regression models indicated (1) goal-striving stress inversely associated with self-esteem and mastery, net of a number of statistical controls; (2) perceived divine control attenuated the inverse association between goal-striving stress and self-esteem; but (3) perceived divine control amplified the inverse association between goal-striving stress and mastery. Implications, limitations, and avenues for future research are discussed.

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Association of Serum Carotenoids and Tocopherols with γ-Glutamyltransferase: The Cardiovascular Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

Clinical Chemistry ◽

10.1373/clinchem.2003.028852 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 50 (3) ◽

pp. 582-588 ◽

Cited By ~ 72

Author(s):

Duk-Hee Lee ◽

Myron D Gross ◽

David R Jacobs

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

White Men ◽

Geometric Means ◽

Black And White ◽

Serum Carotenoids ◽

Study Participants ◽

Β Carotene

Abstract Background: Our previous studies suggest that serum γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity may be related to oxidative stress, supporting findings of experimental studies. To further examine the role of GGT in relation to oxidative stress, we investigated the association between serum carotenoids and tocopherols, which have antioxidant properties, and serum GGT. Methods: Study participants were 3128 black and white men and women 17–35 years of age in 1985–1986. Serum carotenoids and tocopherols were measured at years 0 and 7, and serum GGT was measured at years 0 and 10. Results: Circulating concentrations of α-carotene, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin inversely predicted the serum GGT concentration measured 10 years later in a dose–response manner (P for trend <0.01). Year 0 zeaxanthin/lutein was weakly inversely associated with year 10 GGT (P for trend = 0.08), and year 0 lycopene was unrelated to year 10 GGT. Adjusted geometric means of serum GGT at year 10 according to quintile of the sum of four carotenoids at year 0 (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin/lutein) were 19.9, 19.4, 18.9, 17.8, and 17.3 U/L (P for trend <0.01). Year 0 α-tocopherol was also a significant inverse predictor of year 10 serum GGT concentration (P for trend = 0.03), whereas γ-tocopherol showed an inconsistent or possibly U-shaped association. However, year 0 serum GGT did not predict serum antioxidants measured 7 years later. Conclusion: Our present findings support the contention that serum GGT concentration is a marker related with oxidative stress.

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High prevalence of metabolic syndrome in an elderly Croatian population – a multicentre study

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980010003265 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 14 (9) ◽

pp. 1650-1657 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Daria Pašalić ◽

Slavica Dodig ◽

Naima Čorović ◽

Alica Pizent ◽

Jasna Jurasović ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

International Diabetes Federation ◽

Pelagic Fish ◽

Elderly Persons ◽

Inverse Association ◽

Male Population ◽

Anthropometric Measures ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Healthy Elderly ◽

Glutamyl Transferase

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence and characteristics of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a healthy elderly Croatian population.DesignCross-sectional study consisting of a health check including anthropometric measures and food questionnaires as well as analysis of biochemical parameters related to MetS. The diagnostic criteria of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) were used for diagnosis of MetS.SettingFour centres in continental (Virovitica and Zagreb) and Adriatic coast (Split and Omiš) regions of Croatia.SubjectsFree-living elderly persons aged 70–90 years (n 320).ResultsSignificantly lower MetS prevalence was found among participants from small urban centres compared with those from large urban centres (59·1 % v. 69·6 %; P = 0·051). Participants without MetS consumed wine more frequently (P = 0·05) than those with MetS. Compared with their peers with HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) <1·03 mmol/l, more male participants with HDL-C ≥1·03 mmol/l consumed wine (P = 0·04) or pelagic fish (P = 0·03). The prevalence of participants with TAG ≥1·7 mmol/l was higher in wine non-consumers (P = 0·05) than in wine consumers. Multivariate analysis with age and gender as covariates showed a significant inverse association of wine consumption with total cholesterol (P < 0·001), a positive association with HDL-C (P < 0·001) and a marginally inverse association with TAG (P = 0·06). In the male population, alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transferase activities were higher in participants with MetS (P < 0·05).ConclusionsHigh MetS prevalence was observed in an elderly Croatian population. Data showed that moderate consumption of wine and/or pelagic fish has a protective role against MetS in the population studied.

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Evaluation of brief dietary questions to estimate vegetable and fruit consumption – using serum carotenoids and red-cell folate

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1079/phn2004688 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 298-308 ◽

Cited By ~ 71

Author(s):

Terry Coyne ◽

Torukiri I Ibiebele ◽

Sarah McNaughton ◽

Ingrid HE Rutishauser ◽

Kerin O'Dea ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Performance ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Serum Levels ◽

National Study ◽

Blood Levels ◽

Fruit Intake ◽

Red Cell ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Serum Carotenoids ◽

Β Carotene

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate responses to self-administered brief questions regarding consumption of vegetables and fruit by comparison with blood levels of serum carotenoids and red-cell folate.DesignA cross-sectional study in which participants reported their usual intake of fruit and vegetables in servings per day, and serum levels of five carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin and lycopene) and red-cell folate were measured. Serum carotenoid levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and red-cell folate by an automated immunoassay system.Settings and subjectsBetween October and December 2000, a sample of 1598 adults aged 25 years and over, from six randomly selected urban centres in Queensland, Australia, were examined as part of a national study conducted to determine the prevalence of diabetes and associated cardiovascular risk factors.ResultsStatistically significant (P<0.01) associations with vegetable and fruit intake (categorised into groups: ≤1 serving, 2–3 servings and ≥4 servings per day) were observed for α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin and red-cell folate. The mean level of these carotenoids and of red-cell folate increased with increasing frequency of reported servings of vegetables and fruit, both before and after adjusting for potential confounding factors. A significant association with lycopene was observed only for vegetable intake before adjusting for confounders.ConclusionsThese data indicate that brief questions may be a simple and valuable tool for monitoring vegetable and fruit intake in this population.

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Patient Use of Dietary Supplements, Home Monitoring, or Genetic Testing for Nonneovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases ◽

10.1177/2474126421989228 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 247412642198922

Author(s):

Brittany C. Tsou ◽

T.Y. Alvin Liu ◽

Jun Kong ◽

Susan B. Bressler ◽

J. Fernando Arevalo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Testing ◽

Macular Degeneration ◽

Dietary Supplements ◽

Home Monitoring ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Supplement Use ◽

Age Related ◽

Disease Study

Purpose: This work evaluated the use and type of dietary supplements and home monitoring for nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), as well as the prevalence of genetic testing among patients with AMD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 129 participants older than 50 years who completed self-administered questionnaires regarding usage and type of dietary supplements and home monitoring, as well as the participants’ use of genetic testing for AMD. Results: Of 91 participants with AMD, 83 (91.2%) took vitamins, including 55 (60.4%) who used an Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) or AREDS2 formulation. Of 38 without AMD, 31 (81.6%) took vitamins (difference from participants with AMD = 9.6% [95% CI, 0%-23.2%]), including 2 on an AREDS formulation. Among 82 participants with AMD who were AREDS candidates (intermediate or advanced AMD in 1 or both eyes), 51 (62.2%; 95% CI, 51.7%-72.7%) took an AREDS or AREDS2 formulation, and 31 (37.8%) did not (5 were unsure). Additionally, 50 (61.0%; 95% CI, 50.4%-71.6%) AREDS candidates did some type of home monitoring. Only 1 (1.2%; 95% CI, 0%-3.6%) underwent genetic testing for AMD. Among 9 with AMD who were not AREDS candidates, 4 (44.4%) used an AREDS formulation, 4 (44.4%) did not, and 1 (11.1%) was unsure; only 1 (11.1%) of these 9 performed home monitoring. Conclusions: Despite similar results from past surveys and AREDS2 data supporting supplement use in 2013 and home monitoring in 2014, these findings suggest about one-third of AREDS candidates do not do so, providing further support for improving education regarding appropriate supplement and home monitoring usage. Genetic testing for AMD also appears infrequent.

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High Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Obesity among Adults in Gulf Countries

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13030995 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 995

Author(s):

Israa M. Shatwan ◽

Eiman A. Alhinai ◽

Balqees Alawadhi ◽

Shelini Surendran ◽

Najlaa M. Aljefree ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Total Sample ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Inverse Association ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Hip Circumference ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Gulf Countries ◽

The Mean ◽

The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is considered as a good example of a healthy dietary pattern that has protective effects on obesity. The aim of the present study was to assess the adherence of adults from three Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait) to the MedDiet and its association with obesity risk. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 961 men and women (75.7%) aged 20–55 years old. Waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) were measured waist/hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. A validated 14-item Questionnaire was used to measure adherence to MedDiet. The mean of the adherence to MedDiet score was 5.9 ± 2.03 for the total sample. An inverse association was observed between the adherence to MedDiet and BMI after adjusting for potential confounders (p = 0.0003 in total participants, and p = 0.001 in women only). A protective effect was seen with a higher adherence to the MedDiet on HC, suggesting that a greater adherence to the MedDiet was associated with a decreased HC (p = 0.04 in total participants, and p = 0.01 in women only). In conclusion, low adherence to the MedDiet among participants from three gulf countries was associated with increased obesity indicators, BMI, and HC.

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Vitamin D and Hospital Admission in Older Adults: A Prospective Association

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13020616 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 616

Author(s):

Avril Beirne ◽

Kevin McCarroll ◽

James Bernard Walsh ◽

Miriam Casey ◽

Eamon Laird ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Hospital Admission ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Inverse Association ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prospective Association ◽

Randomised Controlled

The health effects of vitamin D are well documented, with increasing evidence of its roles beyond bone. There is, however, little evidence of the effects of vitamin D on hospitalisation among older adults. This study aimed to prospectively determine the relationship of vitamin D status in older adults with hospital admission and emergency department (ED) attendance. Trinity University of Ulster Department of Agriculture (TUDA) is a large cross-sectional study of older adults with a community population from three disease-defined cohorts (cognitive dysfunction, hypertension, and osteoporosis). Participants included in this analysis were recruited between 2008 and 2012. ED and hospital admission data were gathered from the date of TUDA participation until June 2013, with a mean follow up of 3.6 years. Of the 3093 participants, 1577 (50.9%) attended the ED during the period of follow-up. Attendees had lower mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations than non-attendees (59.1 vs. 70.6 nmol/L). Fully adjusted models showed an inverse association between vitamin D and ED attendance (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.996; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.995–0.998; p < 0.001). A total of 1269 participants (41%) were admitted to hospital during the follow-up. Those admitted had lower mean vitamin D concentrations (58.4 vs. 69.3 nmol/L, p < 0.001). In fully adjusted models, higher vitamin D was inversely associated with hospital admission (HR 0.996; 95% CI 0.994–0.998; p < 0.001) and length of stay (LOS) (β = −0.95, p = 0.006). This study showed independent prospective associations between vitamin D deficiency and increased hospitalisation by older adults. The need for further evaluation of current recommendations in relation to vitamin D supplementation, with consideration beyond bone health, is warranted and should focus on randomised controlled trials.

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