Serum status of carotenoids and tocopherols in patients with age-related cataracts: a case-control study
Olmedilla, B.; Granado, F.; Blanco, I.; Herrero, C.; Vaquero, M.; Millan, I.
Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging 6(1): 66-68
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 1279-7707 PMID: 11813087 Document Number: 544501
Background: Cataract is an important health problem that increase with age, causes decreased visual acuity and constitutes a major cause of disability in the elderly. Epidemiological studies have shown that elevated serum levels and/or intake of several antioxidants, such as carotenoids, vitamin E and ascorbic acid, are associated with a diminished risk for cataracts. Objective: To assess the serum fat-soluble antioxidant status in patients with cataract and its relationship with visual function in Spain. Methods: 138 patients with senile cataract, classified according to visual acuity, and 110 age- and sex-matched controls were studied for individual carotenoid and tocopherol levels in serum by a quality-controlled high performance liquid chromatography. One-way ANOVA analysis and logistic regression analysis were applied. Results: Higher serum levels of lutein and zeaxanthin were associated as risk factors for cataract, whereas beta -cryptoxanthin and gamma -tocopherol appeared as protective variables. Higher levels of zeaxanthin and lower concentrations of beta -cryptoxanthin were associated with cataract in people <61 years, whereas only lower levels of gamma -tocopherol were shown in subjects >61 years. No significant correlations (adjusted for sex and age) were found between visual acuity and serum concentrations of carotenoids or tocopherols. Conclusion: Although the relationship between carotenoids and cataract is biologically plausible, serum carotenoid levels are highly dependent on dietary intake and thus may not be clinically relevant biomarkers for cataract risk.