Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the variations in the concentrations of tocopherols and retinol in obese adults in the postprandial state after the intake of a Mediterranean or Western-style breakfast. The study was designed as a randomized, controlled intervention trial in the postprandial state, for which 24 male adults (12 obese and 12 of normalweight) were recruited. After a fat challenge, blood samples were collected at different times postprandially and α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol and retinol concentrations were determined in serum by HPLC. The Mediterranean-style meal produced a greater increase in serum α-tocopherol levels in both obese and normal-weight subjects, compared to the Western-style meal, indicating that the composition of the food affects the concentration of tocopherols in the postprandial state. However, the serum concentrations of γ-tocopherol and retinol remained unmodified. In conclusion, the presence of α-tocopherol in the meal could contribute to the protection of the Mediterranean-style meal against atherosclerosis in the postprandial state.
Highlights
Obesity is considered one of the main public health concerns in Western countries as it gives rise to other conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease
Obesity has been associated with systemic inflammation and increased oxidative stress, which lead to decreased α-tocopherol bioavailability, increasing the requirements for this vitamin in obese individuals (Traber et al, 2017). α-Tocopherol is capable of protecting cell membranes and low density lipoproteins (LDL) from lipid peroxidation (Trpkovic et al, 2015), an alteration that is necessary to trigger atherogenesis (Cabello-Moruno et al, 2007)
It has been observed that the intake of antioxidant supplements, such as α-tocopherol, has a greater effect on oxidative stress in subjects with postprandial anomalies such as hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, which are very common in obese individuals (Plotnick et al, 1997)
Summary
Obesity is considered one of the main public health concerns in Western countries as it gives rise to other conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. The possible relevance of postprandial α-tocopherol depletion and its relation with lipid peroxidation in diabetic individuals has been suggested (Manuel-Y-Keenoy et al, 2004). It has been observed that the intake of antioxidant supplements, such as α-tocopherol, has a greater effect on oxidative stress in subjects with postprandial anomalies such as hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, which are very common in obese individuals (Plotnick et al, 1997). There is considerable evidence that vitamin A homeostasis is involved in regulating body fat and blood glucose levels. It appears that altered levels of circulating retinol have a relevant role in the modulation of endocrine hormones and gene transcription associated to lipid and glucose metabolism (Mody 2017). The effect of a Mediterranean-style breakfast on postprandial serum concentrations of tocopherols and retinol has not been addressed to date
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