Study of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adolescents: Association between Intake of Vitamins A and E and Lipid Profile

Abstract

Background: The diet of Brazilian adolescents is characterized by high intake of fats and sugars and low consumption of antioxidant micronutrients, particularly vitamins A and E. In addition to dietary inadequacies, a significant number of these adolescents present changes in plasma lipoproteins, which may be caused by environmental and lifestyle factors. Objective: To investigate the association between inadequate intake of vitamins A and E and changes in plasma lipoprotein concentrations in Brazilian adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive, multicenter, school-based, nationwide study with 37,023 Brazilian adolescents aged 12 to 17 years were included. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, vitamin A and E intake, and lipid and anthropometric profile were collected. The Student’s t-test was used to compare means and a logistic regression to verify associations; analyses were conducted in the STATA software version 14.0. The study was approved by the Ethics Committees of the participating institutions and all participants signed an Assent Form. Results: The average vitamin A intake was higher among boys, but consumption below recommendation was found in both sexes. Inadequate intake of vitamins A and E was associated with a higher risk of low HDL-c levels in male and public school adolescents. Low vitamin E intake was associated with a higher risk of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia in Brazilian adolescents. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of inadequate intake of vitamins A and E among Brazilian adolescents and data suggesting associations between low intake of these micronutrients and changes in plasma lipoprotein concentrations in this public.