title: Simultaneous analysis of retinol, beta-carotene and tocopherol levels in serum of Vietnamese populations with different incomes.
abstract: In this study, we clarified the status of the fat-soluble vitamins retinol and tocopherol, as well as beta-carotene, as antioxidants in the prevention of cardiovascular disease in middle-aged Vietnamese populations with different incomes. In order to measure simultaneously the serum concentrations of retinol, beta-carotene and tocopherol, we carried out high-performance liquid chromatography analysis with three separate detectors. The analytical method was modified, omitting the saponification process, and used a multi-evaporating system with dry ice. This allowed the analysis to proceed more rapidly, use a small amount of serum (40 microL) and be free of hexane contamination to the environment. The analyses reflected an adequate status of vitamin A (serum retinol = 20 microg/dL), but inadequate status of beta-carotene and vitamin E (serum beta-carotene <40 microg/dL; serum tocopherol < 600 microg/dL) in all three Vietnamese populations. As large numbers of Vietnamese subjects were observed with very low serum concentrations of beta-carotene and tocopherol, higher consumptions of green and yellow vegetables, fruits, vegetable oils and other foods rich in vitamin E are recommended for these Vietnamese populations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Food and Nutrition, Japan Women's University, Tokyo.
authors.forename: Nguyen Thi Minh
authors.initials: NT
authors.lastname: Kieu
authors.forename: Kidokoro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yurie
authors.forename: Nguyen Thi Kim
authors.initials: NT
authors.lastname: Hung
authors.forename: Shigeru
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yamamoto
authors.forename: Nguyen Van
authors.initials: NV
authors.lastname: Chuyen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D012923:Social Class; D024505:Tocopherols / Q000097:blood*; D014744:Vietnam; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000097:blood*; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D019207:beta Carotene; D014801:Vitamin A; D024505:Tocopherols