Serum concentrations of β-carotene and α-tocopherol are associated with diet, smoking, and general and central adiposity

Abstract

Background: Previous studies of associations between diet, obesity, and blood concentrations of α-tocopherol and β-carotene have been equivocal. Furthermore, most studies used only body mass index (BMI) as an obesity measure. Objectives: Our objectives were to examine the associations between energy and nutrient intakes, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and serum cholesterol and serum concentrations of α-tocopherol and β-carotene, and to examine the associations between different measures of general and central adiposity and serum concentrations of α-tocopheml and β-carotene. Design: This was a cross-sectional, population-based study of 253 men and 276 women aged 46-67 y. Nutrient data were collected by a modified diet history method. Measures of obesity included BMI, percentage of body fat (impedance analysis), waist-to-hip ratio, and waist circumference. The associations between serum nutrient concentrations and the other factors were examined by multiple linear regression. Results: Twenty-one percent of men and 34% of women used antioxidant supplements. The mean BMI was 26.1 in men and 25.4 in women. Serum β-carotene concentration was positively associated with serum cholesterol concentration, fiber intake, and β-carotene intake, and negatively associated with smoking and all measures of obesity. In men, serum β-carotene concentration was not significantly associated with central adiposity after adjustment for body fat. Serum α-tocopherol concentration was positively correlated with serum cholesterol, obesity, and vitamin E intake. In women, serum α-tocopherol concentration was also positively associated with intakes of ascorbic acid and selenium. Serum α-tocopherol concentration was associated with central adiposity after adjustment for body fat. Conclusion: Serum β-carotene and α-tocopherol concentrations have different associations with diet, smoking, general adiposity, and central adiposity.