Plasma concentrations of carotenoids and antioxidant vitamins in Scottish males: influences of smoking.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify the major carotenoids in plasma of Scottish males and establish which were affected by habitual smoking.


METHODS
Concentrations of carotenoids, vitamin C and vitamin E (alpha and gamma-tocopherol) were determined in plasma samples from 50 fasted male smokers and 50 age-matched males who had never smoked (aged 50-59 years).


RESULTS
Significantly less alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin and vitamin C in plasma of smokers than in never-smokers whereas concentrations of lycopene, lutein/zeaxanthin, phytofluene and vitamin E were similar between the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Whether lower carotenoid and vitamin C concentrations in smokers than never-smokers reflect different dietary patterns or increased metabolic turnover is unclear but smokers may benefit from increased carotenoid and vitamin C intakes.
Ross
M A
MA
Rowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, UK.
Crosley
L K
LK
Brown
K M
KM
Duthie
S J
SJ
Collins
A C
AC
Arthur
J R
JR
Duthie
G G
GG
D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000097:blood*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006801:Humans; D014975:Lutein / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D012606:Scotland; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000097:blood*
D014810:Vitamin E; D002338:Carotenoids; C003140:phytofluene; D001205:Ascorbic Acid; D014975:Lutein