[Differences in plasma antioxidants according to socioeconomic level in Chilean women].

Background: Free radical-mediated oxidative damage is a known initial event in atherogenesis. Cardiovascular disease is frequent in the Chilean population showing differences in the prevalence of risk factors of the disease according to socioeconomic level (SEL).

Aim: To determine levels of antioxidants and lipid peroxides in Chilean women from different SEL.

Patients And Methods: Blood samples were taken from 81 women for measurements of plasma ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, licopene, ubiquinol, glutathione, total plasma antioxidant capacity, and lipid peroxides (TBARS).

Results: Individuals in the lower SEL showed reduced levels of plasma beta-carotene, ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, and ubiquinol compared to women in the higher SEL. There were no differences between groups in the plasma levels of glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, or TBARS.

Conclusions: The results could be explained in part by the higher consumption of fruits and vegetables in women from the upper SEL.