Determinants of plasma anti-oxidant vitamin levels in a population at high risk for stomach cancer

Our objective was to identify the determinants of plasma levels of anti-oxidant vitamins which have been linked with decreased risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Correlation analyses were performed between baseline plasma levels of ascorbic acid, alpha- and beta-carotenes, cryptoxanthin, lycopene and alpha- and gamma-tocopherols and baseline information on dietary and other demographic and life-style factors among 1,364 subjects 35-69 years of age, who are participants in a chemoprevention trial on pre-cancerous lesions of the stomach in Venezuela. Males had lower levels of ascorbic acid, alpha- and beta-carotene and cryptoxanthin and higher levels of alpha-tocopherol than females. This finding was confirmed in non-smokers and non-drinkers. In females, but not in males, age was positively associated with levels of ascorbic acid, cryptoxanthin, alpha- and beta-carotene and gamma-tocopherol. Male tobacco users had lower plasma levels of ascorbic acid, alpha- and beta-carotene and cryptoxanthin than nonusers, and regular alcohol drinkers had a decreased plasma levels of beta-carotene compared with non-drinkers. Female tobacco users had lower levels of ascorbic acid and cryptoxanthin than non-users, and regular alcohol drinkers had lower levels of ascorbic acid and lycopene than non-drinkers. Frequencies of consumption of fresh fruits, fruit juice, raw vegetables and plantains showed weak positive associations with plasma levels of several vitamins studied in both sexes. Sex, age in females, tobacco and alcohol use and dietary consumption affected plasma anti-oxidant vitamin levels in this population significantly. These factors may influence the effect of anti-oxidant treatment in intervention trials.