International Journal of Epidemiology, Vol 26, 307-314, Copyright © 1997 by International Epidemiological Association
Y Kitamura, K Tanaka, C Kiyohara, T Hirohata, Y Tomita, M Ishibashi and K Kido
BACKGROUND: Despite considerable interest in the anticarcinogenic and
anti-atherosclerotic effects of carotenoids and alpha-tocopherol, little is
known about determinants of these serum micronutrients. METHODS: The
association of lifestyle factors including alcohol use, physical activity
and dietary habits with serum levels of carotenoids (lycopene, lutein,
cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene), retinol and alpha- tocopherol were
studied in 194 healthy men aged 24-60 years who smoked > 15
cigarettes/day. A self-administered questionnaire ascertained consumption
frequency of 12 food items, alcohol consumption, levels of physical
activity and the number of cigarettes smoked per day. RESULTS: Of the
dietary items studied, total vegetable intake was significantly, positively
associated with beta-carotene levels, as was fruit intake with serum levels
of each carotenoid. Tofu intake was unexpectedly, but strongly related to
decreased levels of cryptoxanthin and beta- carotene. None of the food
items was materially related to serum levels of retinol and
alpha-tocopherol. Alcohol consumption was most strongly and inversely
associated with levels of all the carotenoids except lutein, whereas was
positively associated with retinol level but not with alpha-tocopherol
level. Frequency of participation in sports was significantly and
positively associated with both retinol and alpha- tocopherol levels. The
amount of cigarettes smoked per day was unrelated to each micronutrient
level in this study of moderate or heavy smokers. CONCLUSIONS: The
consumption of vegetables and fruits is an important determinant of serum
carotenoid levels even in smokers. Alcohol consumption is inversely
associated with carotenoid levels, although the mechanism for this is not
clear. Tofu and physical activity influence serum levels of antioxidative
micronutrients, and these relationships need further studies.
ARTICLES
Relationship of alcohol use, physical activity and dietary habits with serum carotenoids, retinol and alpha-tocopherol among male Japanese smokers
Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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