Serum carotenoids and vitamins in relation to markers of endothelial function and inflammation.

Background: Endothelial cell dysfunction may be related to an increase in cellular oxidative stress. Carotenoids and vitamins could have an antioxidant-mediated tempering influence on endothelial function and inflammation, thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.

Methods: We measured serum carotenoids, alpha-tocopherol and Vitamin C concentrations in 379 subjects sampled from the general population.

Decreased carotenoid concentrations due to dietary sucrose polyesters do not affect possible markers of disease risk in humans.

Excessive consumption of energy and fat increases the risk for obesity. Snacks containing sucrose polyesters (SPE) as a dietary fat replacer are on the market in the United States. SPE products have been shown to lower concentrations of serum carotenoids in short-term studies.

Lens aging in relation to nutritional determinants and possible risk factors for age-related cataract.

Objective: To investigate whether nutritional factors and possible risk factors for cataract influence the lens optical density (LOD).

Design: Three hundred seventy-six subjects, aged 18 to 75 years, were recruited. In a cross-sectional design, serum was analyzed for lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, alpha-tocopherol, and cholesterol levels.

Macular pigment density in relation to serum and adipose tissue concentrations of lutein and serum concentrations of zeaxanthin.

Background: Macular pigment (MP), concentrated in the central area of the retina, contains the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. A low MP density could be a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration. Little information is available regarding MP density in relation to serum lutein and zeaxanthin and adipose lutein concentrations in a general population.