Effect of Antioxidant Vitamins on the Plasma Homocysteine Level in a Free-Living Elderly Population

Abstract

Background: The factors influencing total plasma homocysteine levels (tHcy) are of special interest in the attempt to reduce cardiovascular risk. Aim: This investigation aimed to assess the independent effects of antioxidant vitamins on tHcy in elderly people. Methods: Our cross-sectional analysis included data of 184 subjects (≧60 years) from the longitudinal study in an aging population in Giessen (GISELA), Germany. We examined the effects of plasma levels, intake and supplementation of vitamin C, vitamin E, and β-carotene on tHcy. Results: The mean tHcy was within the normal range in this population. Serum folate, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and plasma vitamin C showed a negative association with tHcy in simple regression analysis. In a subsequent multiple regression analysis, eGFR, serum folate, and plasma vitamin C were the relevant independent predictors of tHcy. Intake and supplementation of vitamin C, as well as plasma levels, intake and supplementation of vitamin E, and β-carotene were not associated with tHcy. Conclusion: Vitamin C may be an independent predictor of tHcy in free-living elderly people and, therefore, should be considered in attempts to reduce tHcy.

Effects of adding tocotrienol-tocopherol mixed fraction and vitamin C on inflammatory status in hypercholesterolaemic patients in the low coronary risk category

“…However, the homocysteine elevation seen with TTMF treatment when compared to the baseline is in disagreement with a study in animals, which have demonstrated a beneficial lowering of homocysteine with tocotrienol treatment (Norsidah et al, 2013). One study in humans yielded a neutral effect of tocopherol, rather than tocotrienol, on homocysteine levels (Breilmann et al, 2010). Although the effect observed here is minimal, due to the correlation of homocysteine to cardiovascular risk (Nygård et al, 1995), further studies should aim to confirm this finding and look at the possible mechanisms involved, if any.…”

“…Both are antioxidants, and as such is thought to reduce oxidative stress and its implications for the human body (Breilmann J et al,2010). One of such implications is atherosclerosis, of which hypercholesterolaemia is a risk factor.…”

Micronutrient Needs of the Elderly

“…Remaining active in older life improves the quality of life as we age, and a possible link with nutrient intake is promising. Also to be considered, factors influencing total and vitamin C have shown to have a negative association with homocysteine levels 40 …”

“…Also to be considered, factors influencing total and vitamin C have shown to have a negative association with homocysteine levels. 40…”

Melatonin as a Reducer of Neuro- and Vasculotoxic Oxidative Stress Induced by Homocysteine

“…Therefore, there is a need to look for new agents that can counteract the toxic effects of homocysteine. Good candidates seem to be antioxidants, which, as nonspecific molecules, can inhibit homocysteine-dependent oxidative stress already in the initial phase of the pathological path, that is, at the stage of generation of oxygen free radicals [ 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ].…”