Plasma carotenoids, tocopherols and retinol - Association with age in the Berlin Aging Study II
Daniela Weber,
Bastian Kochlik,
Ilja Demuth,
Elisabeth Steinhagen-Thiessen,
Tilman Grune,
Kristina Norman
Affiliations
Daniela Weber
Department of Molecular Toxicology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), 14558 Nuthetal, Germany; NutriAct-Competence Cluster Nutrition Research Berlin-Potsdam, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany; Corresponding author. Department of Molecular Toxicology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), 14558, Nuthetal, Germany.
Bastian Kochlik
Department of Molecular Toxicology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), 14558 Nuthetal, Germany; NutriAct-Competence Cluster Nutrition Research Berlin-Potsdam, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany
Ilja Demuth
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Lipid Clinic at the Interdisciplinary Metabolism Center, Germany; Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BCRT - Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany
Elisabeth Steinhagen-Thiessen
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Lipid Clinic at the Interdisciplinary Metabolism Center, Germany; University Medicine Greifswald and Kreiskrankenhaus Wolgast, Altersmedizinisches Zentrum, 17438 Greifswald, Germany
Tilman Grune
Department of Molecular Toxicology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), 14558 Nuthetal, Germany; NutriAct-Competence Cluster Nutrition Research Berlin-Potsdam, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany; Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764 Munich-Neuherberg, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), 13347 Berlin, Germany
Kristina Norman
Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany; Geriatrics Research Group, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13347 Berlin, Germany; Department of Nutrition and Gerontology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), 14558 Nuthetal, Germany
Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables, which is related to high plasma levels of lipid-soluble micronutrients such as carotenoids and tocopherols, is linked to lower incidences of various age-related diseases. Differences in lipid-soluble micronutrient blood concentrations seem to be associated with age. Our retrospective analysis included men and women aged 22–37 and 60–85 years from the Berlin Aging Study II. Participants with simultaneously available plasma samples and dietary data were included (n = 1973). Differences between young and old groups were found for plasma lycopene, α-carotene, α-tocopherol, β-cryptoxanthin (only in women), and γ-tocopherol (only in men). β-Carotene, retinol and lutein/zeaxanthin did not differ between young and old participants regardless of the sex. We found significant associations for lycopene, α-carotene (both inverse), α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and β-carotene (all positive) with age. Adjusting for BMI, smoking status, season, cholesterol and dietary intake confirmed these associations, except for β-carotene. These micronutrients are important antioxidants and associated with lower incidence of age-related diseases, therefore it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms in order to implement dietary strategies for the prevention of age-related diseases. To explain the lower lycopene and α-carotene concentration in older subjects, bioavailability studies in older participants are necessary.
