Are antioxidants related to adiposity and inflammation in a sample of non-smoking men and women from the U.S. population?

Due to the increased risk obese individuals have for developing chronic diseases it is important to determine whether antioxidant status is related to adiposity.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using information from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Approximately 3,755 non-smoking individuals ages of 20-69 were included in the study. Percentage of total body adiposity and trunk adiposity were analyzed in t-tests, ANOVA, correlation analysis, and linear multiple regressions along with serum antioxidants vitamin C, alpha-tocopherol, and beta-carotene. Hierarchical regressions were conducted to determine if antioxidants act as a mediator in the relationship of adiposity with C-reactive protein (CRP).

Results: A positive relationship was observed for alpha-tocopherol and measurements of adiposity. Vitamin C and beta-carotene demonstrated negative relationships with increased levels of adiposity. Levels of serum antioxidants were greater for individuals who reported taking antioxidant supplements. Women who reported taking vitamin C or E supplements had lower levels of adiposity compared to those not taking supplements. Hierarchical regressions found that beta-carotene attenuated the effect of adiposity on levels of CRP in men.

Conclusion: Dietary intake of antioxidants should be assessed in future studies and intake from supplements should be quantified. Further investigation is warranted to determine if consumption of beta-carotene offers a protective effect against inflammation.