SELECTED VITAMINS AND TRACE-ELEMENTS IN BLOOD OF VEGETARIANS

Selected vitamin (A, C, E, beta-carotene) and trace element (selenium, zinc, copper) levels were estimated in the blood of 67 vegetarian non smokers aged 34-60 years. The average period of lacto- or lacto-ovoveg etarianism was 6.2 years. The results were compared with those of 75 n onvegetarians of the same age and living in the same region. Vegetaria ns had significantly higher plasma levels of essential antioxidants: v itamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin A. A significantly higher molar r atio vitamin E/cholesterol indicates a more effective protection espec ially of low-density lipoproteins against peroxidation. Oxidation of l ow-density lipoproteins represents one of the key factors in the patho genesis of atherosclerosis. The molar ratio vitamin E/total lipids was significantly higher in plasma of vegetarians, demonstrating a more e ffective protection of polyunsaturated fatty acids against peroxidatio n. Vegetarians had significantly higher plasma levels of selenium and similar levels of zinc and copper when compared to nonvegetarians. The se trace elements are important for the activity of antioxidant enzyme s. The results document a beneficial effect of vegetarian nutritional habits on antioxidative parameters and thus on the reduction of cardio vascular diseases and cancer risk. Reactive products of oxygen metabol ism and subsequent toxic products of lipid peroxidation play an import ant role in the etiology of these diseases.