PLASMA-CONCENTRATIONS OF CAROTENOIDS AND ANTIOXIDANT VITAMINS IN SCOTTISH MALES - INFLUENCES OF SMOKING

Objective: To quantify the major carotenoids in plasma of Scottish mal es and establish which were affected by habitual smoking. Design: Conc entrations of carotenoids, vitamin C and vitamin E (alpha and gamma-to copherol) were determined in plasma samples from 50 fasted male smoker s and 50 age-matched males who had never smoked (aged 50-59 years). Re sults: Significantly less alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-crypt oxanthin and vitamin C in plasma of smokers than in never-smokers wher eas concentrations of lycopene, lutein/zeaxanthin, phytofluene and vit amin E were similar between the groups. Conclusion: Whether lower caro tenoid and vitamin C concentrations in smokers than never-smokers refl ect different dietary patterns or increased metabolic turnover is uncl ear but smokers may benefit from increased carotenoid and vitamin C in takes.