DIETARY PROFILES AND ANTIOXIDANTS IN A RURAL-POPULATION OF CENTRAL ITALY WITH A LOW-FREQUENCY OF CANCER

This descriptive, cross-sectional study reports the anti-oxidant activ ities of a population sample of 736 individuals, randomly selected fro m residents of two small towns of the Latina province of Italy (an are a at low frequency of cancer). The circulating levels of vitamins A, C and E, ceruloplasmin, carotenoids (lutein + zeaxanthin, lycopene, alp ha- and beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin), cholesterol, high-density lipop rotein cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as anthropometric measur ements (skin-folds, height, weight) were evaluated. A dietary intervie w was also performed by means of a semi-quantitative questionnaire. Al l the anti-oxidants were above the cut-off points for normality, where as body mass index, % fat and serum lipids were not clearly suggestive of a protected population. The data obtained could be useful to estim ate the baseline values of protective microelements and to assess diet ary profiles in populations following a Mediterranean diet.