NO EFFECT OF BETA-CAROTENE SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF LOW-DENSITY-LIPOPROTEIN TO IN-VITRO OXIDATION AMONG HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC, POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

The effect of beta-carotene on the susceptibility of low density lipop rotein (LDL) to oxidative modification was investigated in a double-bl ind, randomized placebo-controlled study. Hypercholesterolaemic, postm enopausal women were given 30 mg beta-carotene per day (n=15 subjects) or placebo capsules (n=15 subjects) for 10 weeks. They were instructe d to follow the American Heart Association Step One diet. LDL, isolate d before and after treatment was subjected to copper-catalysed lipid p eroxidation. There were no significant differences between LDL from th e beta-carotene and placebo groups, as assessed by measuring the lag t ime for formation of conjugated dienes; the rate of formation and the amount of conjugated dienes formed; the amount of lipid peroxides gene rated; and the relative electrophoretic mobility, at baseline and afte r treatment. Dietary records showed that the subjects were consuming s imilar amounts and types of fat. No significant differences were found in the lipid composition and fatty acid pattern of LDL from the two g roups. In conclusion, the results indicated that supplementation with beta-carotene in non-smoking, hypercholesterolaemic, postmenopausal wo men had no protective effect on-the susceptibility of LDL to copper-ca talysed modification in vitro.