Seasonal variation of serum concentrations of beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol.
We studied the seasonal variation in serum concentrations of beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol (HPLC) in 17,247 Finnish men who smoked. Month of blood sampling was a statistically significant determinant of serum concentration of beta-carotene in a regression model including age, body mass index, alcohol and fat intakes, total serum cholesterol, and daily cigarettes as covariates. The serum concentrations were lowest in April-June and highest in October-November. The 1.5-fold increase in the serum concentration of beta-carotene during the fall reflects the seasonality of dietary sources of carotenoids in Finland. The serum concentrations of alpha-tocopherol demonstrated no seasonal variation but remained close to 27.6 mumol/L throughout the year. The results indicate that the seasonal variation of serum concentrations of beta-carotene should be taken into account in long-term studies in which comparison of groups or individuals is based on serum concentrations.
Rautalahti
M
M
National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland.
Albanes
D
D
Haukka
J
J
Roos
E
E
Gref
C G
CG
Virtamo
J
J
D000368:Aged; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000097:blood*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004032:Diet; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012621:Seasons; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000097:blood*; D019207:beta Carotene
D019207:beta Carotene; D014810:Vitamin E; D002338:Carotenoids