Within-subjects seasonal variation and determinants of inter-individual variations of plasma beta-carotene.
We studied determinants of plasma beta-carotene in a sample of 98 normal volunteers. Blood samples were collected and 4-day weighed dietary records kept for each season of the year. Information on tobacco use and demographic and socio-economic data was elicited at the first interview. There was a peak of plasma beta-carotene in the fall, whereas the dietary beta-carotene peak occurred in summer. In a regression analysis involving a variety of independent variables, the only statistically significant determinants of plasma beta-carotene for non-smokers were dietary beta-carotene, sex, serum cholesterol and triglycerides. The number of cigarettes/day was introduced into the model for smokers and a significant negative coefficient was obtained for this variable. Interaction between dietary beta-carotene and tobacco use was shown to be a significant determinant of plasma beta-carotene for the total sample.
Saintot
M
M
Groupe d'Epidémiologie Métabolique, Epidaure, INSERM-CRLC, Montpellier, France.
Astre
C
C
Scali
J
J
Gerber
M
M
D015992:Body Mass Index; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012424:Rural Population; D012621:Seasons; D012907:Smoking / Q000097:blood; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood; D014505:Urban Population; D019207:beta Carotene
D014280:Triglycerides; D019207:beta Carotene; D002338:Carotenoids; D002784:Cholesterol