Antioxidant vitamin and selenium status in an elderly population of Giessen

Within the longitudinal study on nutrition and health status in an aging po pulation of Giessen, Germany, baseline measurements with regard to antioxid ant status were obtained in 85 free living elderly persons. The subjects we re at least 60 years old, non-smoking, feeding themselves, and not suppleme nting any vitamins or minerals. Dietary intake of nutrients was assessed by means of a 3-day estimated food record, which was especially developed and validated for this study. Antioxidant status was evaluated by fasting plas ma concentrations of vitamin C, E, beta-carotene, and selenium. The results show that in this study group self-determined nutrition provides enough nu trients to yield a good antioxidant status in the advanced age. Although no differences could be detected in dietary intake of vitamin C, E, and beta- carotene between males and females, significantly higher plasma concentrati ons of all substances investigated were found in females when compared to m ales.