VITAMIN-A AND VITAMIN-E INTAKES AND PLASMA-CONCENTRATIONS OF RETINOL,BETA-CAROTENE, AND ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL IN MEN AND WOMEN OF THE BALTIMORELONGITUDINAL-STUDY OF AGING

Antioxidants have been linked to protection against degenerative disea ses associated with aging. Plasma concentrations were determined for a nd 7-d diet records collected from 200 women and 231 men aged 20-95 y who took part in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Men consum ed more vitamin A from animal and less from vegetable sources than did women. These sex differences are reflected in plasma concentrations o f retinol and beta-carotene. About 20% of subjects had vitamin A intak es less than recommended dietary allowances; however, no men and only two women had marginal plasma retinol (< 0.35 mu mol/L) concentrations . Older people had higher plasma alpha-tocopherol, which correlated wi th total intake. Forty-two men and 35 women had plasma alpha-tocophero l concentrations that were considered marginal. Sex differences in sou rces of dietary and plasma vitamin A may have consequences in relation to aging and longevity. Apparent marginal intakes and plasma concentr ations of vitamin E need to be further examined to determine effects o n health status.