The effect of prolonged consumption of a vitamin-antioxidant mixture (VAM) on the frequency of spontaneous and in vitro gamma-radiation-induced micronuclei (MN) in peripheral blood lymphocytes in donors of various ages was investigated. Three groups of donors were recruited: (i) 56-83 years old (35 subjects), (ii) 23-30 years old (13 subjects), and (iii) 63-82 years old (12 subjects). Blood was sampled every 4 months for one year in all donors of the three groups. After the first sampling of blood, the donors of groups (i) and (ii) took VAM containing the vitamins A, C, E, as well as beta-carotene, folic acid, and rutin daily for 4 months. After the second blood sampling, the intake of VAM was terminated. The third blood sample was taken 4 months after termination of VAM intake. A part of the blood was exposed to gamma-radiation and the frequency of spontaneous and induced MN in lymphocytes was assayed. The analyses showed that the frequency of spontaneous and in vitro gamma-ray-induced MN in aged donors was significantly higher than that in young donors. No seasonal variations in MN frequency were observed in human lymphocytes during one year. Aged donors showed a statistically significant decrease in spontaneous MN in lymphocytes after a 4 month period of consumption of VAM. The intake of VAM by both aged and young donors promoted a decrease in MN induced lymphocytes in vitro by gamma-radiation. The results of our observations enable the suggestion that consumption of VAM favours a decrease in the chromosome damage produced by endogenous and exogenous factors in human lymphocytes.

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