title: Seasonal variation of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diet in older adults.
abstract: We have already published much of our data on the seasonal variation of cardiovascular disease risk factors in a cohort of 65-74 year old men and women living in Cambridge, UK. In this paper we give a concise overview of our findings and include previously unpublished data relating to diet. Seasonal variation in intake of fat, copper, beta-carotene and vitamins A, C and E were all found with increased fat, beta-carotene and vitamin A intakes in autumn and winter while vitamin C and E intakes peaked in summer. Seasonal variation of vitamin C intake and serum ascorbate concentrations were particularly pronounced. We postulate that low vitamin C levels in winter could be associated raised plasma fibrinogen and plasminogen activator-1 (PAI-1) concentrations and therefore with increased cardiovascular risk.
authors.affiliation: University of East Anglia, Norwich. peter.woodhouse@norfolk-norwich.thenhs.com
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Woodhouse
authors.forename: K T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Khaw
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality*; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons