Intake Of Vitamin Supplements Research Articles

Some histologic and biochemical evidence for mitigation of cyanide-induced tissue lesions by antioxidant vitamin administration in rabbits

The effect of antioxidant vitamins on cyanide-induced tissue damage was investigated in New Zealand White rabbits using a combination of colorimetric, spectrophotometric, enzymatic, gravimetric and histological methods. Three groups of rabbits (six per group) were used in a 4-week feeding experiment. One group received pure grower's mash, while a second group was fed mash containing 400 ppm inorganic cyanide. The third group received daily oral doses of vitamins A, C and E, in addition to mash and 400 ppm cyanide. There were significant decreases (P<0.05) in activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and alkaline phosphatase (AP) in the liver, lung and kidney of the two groups given cyanide, but the decreases were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the group fed antioxidant vitamins. In addition, the antioxidant vitamin supplementation led to marked reductions in the severity of histopathological degeneration in these tissues. These results strongly suggest that cyanide-induced tissue lesions may be relieved by adequate intake of antioxidant vitamin supplements.

Vitamin K intake and bone mineral density in women and men

Low dietary vitamin K intake has been associated with an increased risk of hip fracture in men and women. Few data exist on the association between dietary vitamin K intake and bone mineral density (BMD). We studied cross-sectional associations between self-reported dietary vitamin K intake and BMD of the hip and spine in men and women aged 29-86 y. BMD was measured at the hip and spine in 1112 men and 1479 women (macro x +/- SD age: 59 +/- 9 y) who participated in the Framingham Heart Study (1996-2000). Dietary and supplemental intakes of vitamin K were assessed with the use of a food-frequency questionnaire. Additional covariates included age, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol use, physical activity score, and menopause status and current estrogen use among the women. Women in the lowest quartile of vitamin K intake (macro x: 70.2 microg/d) had significantly (P < or = 0.005) lower mean (+/- SEM) BMD at the femoral neck (0.854 +/- 0.006 g/cm(2)) and spine (1.140 +/- 0.010 g/cm(2)) than did those in the highest quartile of vitamin K intake (macro x: 309 microg/d): 0.888 +/- 0.006 and 1.190 +/- 0.010 g/cm(2), respectively. These associations remained after potential confounders were controlled for and after stratification by age or supplement use. No significant association was found between dietary vitamin K intake and BMD in men. Low dietary vitamin K intake was associated with low BMD in women, consistent with previous reports that low dietary vitamin K intake is associated with an increased risk of hip fracture. In contrast, there was no association between dietary vitamin K intake and BMD in men.

Is low-dose oral cobalamin enough to normalize cobalamin function in older people?

To investigate whether the use of low-dose oral cobalamin (Cbl) supplements by older persons, as frequently found in multivitamin preparations, affects their Cbl serum concentrations and function, determined by measurements of the serum Cbl-related metabolites methylmalonic acid (MMA), homocysteine (HCYS), and methylcitric acid (MCTR). Cross-sectional study. Community. Two hundred forty-two independent, active, community-living, older adult volunteers recruited from community events and activities for seniors. We systematically collected data on vitamin supplement intake, diet, medications, and medical and surgical history. Serum was obtained for Cbl, MMA, HCYS, and MCTR, and creatinine and hematological parameters. Serum levels of Cbl were significantly higher in subjects on oral Cbl supplements (2-37.5 microg/day). Similarly, serum levels of the metabolites MMA, HCYS, and MCTR were also lower in subjects on Cbl supplementation. Intake of low-dose oral supplements of Cbl significantly reduced the odds of low Cbl levels or high MMA. The relationship between Cbl supplement dosage and the biochemical parameters was dose dependent. Oral Cbl (2-37.5 microg/day) intake by community-dwelling healthy older adults is associated with higher serum levels of Cbl and improved or normalized Cbl function, as indicated by lower concentrations of the metabolites MMA, HCYS, and MCTR. Use of low-dose oral Cbl replacement therapy might be sufficient to prevent Cbl deficiency in a large proportion of this population.

Lifestyle factors and choice of hormone replacement therapy among Danish nurses

Studies have found that women who use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are healthier or report better health than non-users. This study examines the association between lifestyle factors, self-reported health and the use of HRT in Danish female nurses above the age of 50 years. Postal questionnaires were used for data collection. Two cohorts were examined, a younger including women between 50 and 59 years and an older including women of 60 years and above. Of the 14,071 nurses included, 5,528 (39%) reported ever using HRT. In both cohorts, ever using HRT was positively associated (odds ratio > 1) with intake of vitamin supplements, alcohol consumption at weekends, consulting a physician, use of medicine, and previous use of oral contraceptives. Only a few differences were found between former and current users of HRT. A highly significant association was found between ever using HRT and self-reported poor health. In this study use of HRT was not found to be associated with a particularly healthy lifestyle or better health. Therefore, these factors should be specifically considered in studies evaluating the effect of HRT.

Are retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, folate and carotenoids intake associated with bladder cancer risk? Results from the Netherlands Cohort Study

In the Netherlands Cohort Study among 120 852 subjects aged 55–69 years at baseline (1986), the association between vitamins and carotenoids intake, vitamin supplement use, and bladder cancer incidence was examined. Exposure status was measured with a food-frequency questionnaire. After 6.3 years of follow-up, data from 569 cases and 3123 subcohort members were available for case-cohort analyses. The age-, sex-, and smoking-adjusted relative risks (RRs) for retinol, vitamin E, folate, a-carotene, b-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, and lycopene were 1.04, 0.98, 1.03, 0.99, 1.16, 1.11, and 1.08, respectively, comparing highest to lowest quintile of intake. Only vitamin C (RR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.61–1.07, P-trend = 0.08), and b-cryptoxanthin intake (RR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.53–1.03, P-trend < 0.01) were inversely associated with bladder cancer risk. The association with vitamin C disappeared after adjustment for b-cryptoxanthin but not vice versa. The RRs for supplemental use of vitamin A, C or E compared to no use were around unity. We conclude that dietary or supplemental intake of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and intake of folate, and most carotenoids are not associated with bladder cancer. In this study, only b-cryptoxanthin intake appeared to be inversely associated. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaignhttp://www.bjcancer.com

Are retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, folate and carotenoids intake associated with bladder cancer risk? Results from the Netherlands Cohort Study

In the Netherlands Cohort Study among 120 852 subjects aged 55–69 years at baseline (1986), the association between vitamins and carotenoids intake, vitamin supplement use, and bladder cancer incidence was examined. Exposure status was measured with a food-frequency questionnaire. After 6.3 years of follow-up, data from 569 cases and 3123 subcohort members were available for case-cohort analyses. The age-, sex-, and smoking-adjusted relative risks (RRs) for retinol, vitamin E, folate, α-carotene, β-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, and lycopene were 1.04, 0.98, 1.03, 0.99, 1.16, 1.11, and 1.08, respectively, comparing highest to lowest quintile of intake. Only vitamin C (RR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.61–1.07, P-trend = 0.08), and β-cryptoxanthin intake (RR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.53–1.03, P-trend < 0.01) were inversely associated with bladder cancer risk. The association with vitamin C disappeared after adjustment for β-cryptoxanthin but not vice versa. The RRs for supplemental use of vitamin A, C or E compared to no use were around unity. We conclude that dietary or supplemental intake of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and intake of folate, and most carotenoids are not associated with bladder cancer. In this study, only β-cryptoxanthin intake appeared to be inversely associated. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign http://www.bjcancer.com

Green Tea Catechins and Vitamin E Inhibit Angiogenesis of Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells Through Suppression of IL-8 Production

Epidemiological and animal studies have indicated that consumption of green tea and high vitamin E intake are associated with a reduced risk of developing certain forms of cancer. However, the inhibitory mechanism of green tea catechins and vitamin E in angiogenesis, an important process in tumor growth, has not been well established. In the present study, α-tocopherol and several major catechins of green tea (catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, and epigallocatechin gallate) were tested for their ability to inhibit tube formation in vitro using a model in which human microvascular endothelial cells were exposed to a constant rate of a physiologically low level of H2O2. In this model, the production of interleukin (IL)-8 by human microvascular endothelial cells at a low level of H2O2was required for angiogenesis, as assessed by tube formation in three-dimensional gel in culture. Vitamin E (d-α-tocopherol, 40 μM) in the culture media significantly reduced IL-8 production and angiogenesis. Among the green tea catechins, epigallocatechin (0.5-1 μM) was the most effective in reducing IL-8 production and inhibiting angiogenesis. These results suggest that consumption of green tea catechins or supplemental intake of vitamin E may have preventive effects on tumor development, mediated, at least in part, through inhibition of angiogenesis via suppression of IL-8 production.

Workplace and Leisure Time Physical Activity: Opposing Relations with Progression of Early Atherosclerosis. The Los Angeles Atherosclerosis Study.

P74 Background. While exercise during leisure is a consistent protective factor for CVD, there is inconsistency across studies concerning the impact of physical activity during work. The current study investigated the relationship between progression of sub-clinical atherosclerosis and physical activity during work and during leisure time. Methods. Participants were from a cohort of 573 randomly sampled utility workers asymptomatic for CVD who were aged 40-60 years at entry. Physical activity during leisure was determined from the number of times per week the subject reported working up a sweat; physical activity during work was ascertained from an NHLBI Physical Activity Index. Sub-clinical atherosclerosis was measured as intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid arteries by high resolution B-mode ultrasound. 36 month change in IMT was measured in microns per year. Results. The mean (±SD) IMT in the sample with complete follow-up (n=447) was 678±106 μm. Those scoring in the highest quintile of workplace activity had significantly more IMT progression compared with those in the lowest quintile (mean±SE = 13.0±1.8 vs 6.9±1.8 μm/yr, respectively; p for trend=0.02 in a model adjusted for age, sex, age-sex interaction, smoking status, alcohol use, use of blood pressure and/or cholesterol lowering medications, BMI, HDL-c, total serum cholesterol, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and intake of supplemental vitamin C and E). For leisure activity, significantly less IMT progression was found with more activity, but only among those in the highest quintile of activity relative to those in the other 4 quintiles (6.5±1.8 vs 10.9±0.9 μm/yr; p=0.03 in a model adjusted for the same covariates listed above). No significant interaction with sex was detected. Workplace activity was strongly correlated with workplace psychological stress (ρ=0.56), which was previously shown to be a risk factor for IMT in this cohort. Conclusions. These findings suggest that protective effects of physical activity may be blocked or counteracted when activity is performed in a psychologically stressful context.

Dietary changes among cancer survivors.

Given the limited scientific knowledge about dietary factors that affect cancer recurrence, dietary guidelines for cancer survivors are similar to general recommendations on healthy eating. This study explored the patterns of and motivation for, dietary changes among cancer patients. We conducted in-person interviews with 143 cancer survivors who were chosen from a mail survey on complementary and alternative medicine among cancer patients. We applied qualitative analysis using the software package NUD*IST to sort and code the transcribed interviews. The majority of dietary changes reported by 69 cancer patients agreed with current nutritional recommendations, such as decreasing meat and fat intake and increasing the consumption of vegetables and fruits. However, many diet changers also reported the intake of herbal and vitamin supplements, many with unproven effects. The major themes for changing diet were hopes that nutrition would increase well-being, maintain health and prevent cancer recurrence and beliefs that foods that cause or prevent cancer should be avoided and increased, respectively. Many cancer patients use non-scientific reasons when deciding on dietary changes and supplement use. Increasing communication with health care providers may prevent the use of extreme diets, unproven and possibly harmful supplements and reduce exaggerated hopes related to the benefits of a particular dietary regimen.

Dairy intake and the insulin resistance syndrome in the CARDIA Study.

P71 Little is known about the potential role of dairy consumption in the etiology of cardiovascular disease. We studied associations between reported dairy intake and components of the insulin resistance syndrome in a prospective study of young black and white adults. Participants attended up to five clinic examinations over a 10-year period beginning in 1985/6 (age = 18 to 35 years). The baseline and year-7 exam included a comprehensive diet history interview. Dependent variables include body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and concentrations of fasting serum insulin, plasma triacylglycerol (Trg), and plasma HDL-cholesterol. Final sample size was 2929 after attrition and exclusions for diabetes, medication use, and pregnancy. Year 10 means of these variables were compared across quintiles of total dairy food and beverage intake with adjustment for their baseline values and for age, physical activity, smoking, education, race, sex, and intake of energy, alcohol, saturated fat, dietary fiber, and vitamin supplements. Dairy intake was associated with all components of the insulin resistance syndrome in a protective manner as follows: BMI: quintile 5 (&gt; 28.4 times/wk) - quintile 1 (&lt; 9.5 times/wk) = -0.5 kg/m2, p for linear trend across quintiles = .003; WHR: -0.01, p =.02; SBP: -1.9 mmHg, p=.02; insulin: -0.6 μU/ml, p = .02; Trg: -4.3 mg/dl, p = .04; HDL:+0.9 mg/dl, p = .12. Studies are needed to determine the mechanisms through which dairy intake may modify risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

The immune responses to diabetes in BB rats supplemented with vitamin A

A substantial amount of evidence suggests that in type I diabetes, vitamin A and zinc status could be of concern because of their impaired metabolic availability. Because both vitamin A and zinc play important roles in the regulation of immune function, the present study was undertaken to examine the immune responses to vitamin A and zinc supplements in diabetic-prone Bio-Breed rats (BBdp), and if the supplements increase the incidence of diabetes. Weanling BBdp rats were fed a NIH-07 diet supplemented with vitamin A either alone or in combination with zinc up to 120 days of age. A greater percentage of rats developing diabetes was found in rats that had supplements of vitamin A and zinc (67%) than those on the basal diet (55%) or with vitamin A supplementation alone (50%). The B cells and macrophages were all markedly increased, whereas CD 4 + and CD 8 + T cells were decreased at the onset of diabetes. However, this immune status was not changed by vitamin A and zinc supplements. The plasma vitamin A levels were significantly decreased in the presence of diabetes and the vitamin A status did not improve when the rats were given vitamin A and zinc supplements. The Natural Killer cell cytotoxicity on a per-cell basis was significantly decreased in the presence of diabetes, irrespective of supplements with vitamin A and zinc. Overall, results indicated that vitamin A and immune status are both affected by type I diabetes; these effects, however, are not responsive to supplemental intakes of vitamin A either alone or in combination with zinc.

Microsatellites proximal to leptin and leptin receptor as risk factors for spina bifida.

Several recent studies have observed an association between neural tube defect risk and prepregnant obesity. This association was generally stronger for spina bifida and was observed irrespective of additional maternal factors, including periconceptional intake of vitamin supplements. Other studies have identified mutations within the genes that code for leptin (LEP) and its receptor (LEPR), which have been linked to obesity in mice and humans. We investigated the potential association between nucleotide variation at the LEP and LEPR loci, and increased risk of spina bifida. We searched specifically for allelic association at a pair of highly polymorphic microsatellites closely linked to either the LEP or LEPR gene. Data were derived from a population-based case-control study that had previously identified an association between a woman's prepregnant obesity and her risk of delivering an infant with spina bifida. A total of 56 spina bifida case infants and 126 nonmalformed control infants were genotyped for 10 microsatellite alleles closely linked to the LEP gene, and 49 cases and 125 controls were genotyped for 10 microsatellite alleles closely linked to the LEPR gene. In general, alleles were not observed to be exclusively associated with substantially greater spina bifida risk in the body mass index (BMI) category (obese) of >29 kg/m(2) compared with the BMI category (nonobese) of </=29 kg/m(2). Thus, these particular infant allelic variants did not appear to explain the previously reported elevated risk observed for women whose prepregnant BMI exceeded 29 kg/m(2). A modest elevated spina bifida risk, irrespective of maternal BMI, was observed for two LEP microsatellite alleles (257 and 271). These estimates, however, were imprecise. Compared with those infants who did not have either of these alleles and whose mother's prepregnant BMI was </=29 kg/m(2), we computed odds ratios for (1) having either the 257 or 271 allele and maternal BMI >29 kg/m; (2) having either allele and BMI </=29 kg/m(2); and (3) not having either allele but BMI >29 kg/m(2). The odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for these comparisons were: for allele 257, 4.5 (1.1-19.4), 1.9 (0.5-6.3), and 2.9 (1.3-6.4), respectively, and for allele 271, 6.7 (1.6-30.4), 2.7 (0.7-10.9), and 2.7 (1.2-5.9), respectively. Owing to the exploratory nature of this investigation, the significance of these latter results is unclear.

Periconceptional intake of vitamin supplements and risk of multiple congenital anomalies

Numerous studies have reported reduced risks for a variety of single congenital anomaly phenotypes associated with maternal periconceptional use of vitamin supplements containing folic acid. Here we investigated whether periconceptional use of vitamin supplements containing folic acid by women altered their risk for delivering infants with multiple congenital anomalies (MCAs). Data were derived from a case-control study representing deliveries (fetal deaths and infants) from 2 California counties between January 1993 and July 1996. MCAs were defined as 2 or more congenital anomalies affecting more than one organ system or a major anomaly in combination with 2 minor anomalies. Controls were randomly selected from nonmalformed live-born infants. Telephone interviews were conducted with 112 (73.7% of eligible) case and 195 (78.0% of eligible) control mothers. Compared to women who did not use multivitamin supplements containing folic acid in the period 3 months before through 3 months after conception, women who used in this time period were observed to have an elevated risk to deliver fetuses or infants with MCAs, odds ratio = 2.6 (95% confidence interval 1.1-6.2). This elevated risk was not substantially altered (adjusted odds ratio = 2.9 [0.8-10.3]) by adjusting for maternal race/ethnicity, education, gravidity, body mass index, alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking. No particular organ system seemed to be uniquely represented among the MCA fetuses and infants whose mothers used vitamin supplements. The observed elevated risk associated with maternal vitamin use is considered to be preliminary and needs to be replicated in other populations.

Oral vitamin intake in children receiving long-term dialysis

Objective: To evaluate dietary and oral supplement vitamin intake in children submitted to dialysis (peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis). Design: Prospective clinical trial in a 12-month follow-up period. Setting: Children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who attended the pediatric nephrology clinic of Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP-EPM), São Paulo, Brazil. Patients: Thirty children (18 girls, 23 in peritoneal dialysis, 7 in hemodialysis) with age 9.3 ± 7.4 years. Intervention methodology: Six successive assessments of both anthropometric indexes and 3-day dietary diaries in children receiving a daily dose of oral water-soluble vitamin supplement. Main outcome measures: Anthropometric indexes (weight/age [ W A ], height/age [ H A ], midarm muscle area/age [ MAMA A ], and fat area/age [ FA A ]) and dietary adequacy-% recommended dietary allowance (RDA) (computerized nutritional analysis from 3-day dietary intake diary). Results: Anthropometric indexes analysis showed that 53% of children were <−2.0 standard deviation score (SDS) of W A , 63% were <−2.0 SDS of H A , and 43.3% were <−1.65 SDS of MAMA A , suggesting growth deficit and low muscle wasted. Total caloric intake was lower than 100% of RDA in 90% of children. Dietary intake of water-soluble vitamins was <100% of RDA in the majority of children, as follows: vitamin C ( 24 30 ), B1 ( 28 30 ), B2 ( 22 30 ), B3 ( 27 30 ), B6 ( 26 30 ), B12 ( 1 30 ), pantothenic acid ( 24 30 ), and folic acid ( 9 30 ). The combined dietary and vitamin supplement intake resulted in excessive oral intake for almost all the vitamins. Conclusion: Dietary intake of water-soluble vitamins is lower than the RDA in the majority of children with ESRD; supplementation is necessary to reach the RDA. The use of the available vitamin supplement resulted in vitamin intakes that exceeded the RDA for almost all of the vitamins. However, we do not know if these intakes exceeded the children's requirements, nor whether they had any clinically significant harmful effects.

A Prospective Study of Vitamin Supplement Intake and Cataract Extraction among U.S. Women

We conducted a prevalence case-control study to investigate the relation between family composition, infection, and development of asthma at age 7-9 years. Potential cases (399) and controls (398) were selected from the Wellington, NZ, arm of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, a population-based prevalence study. Further screening questions restricted cases to children with a diagnosis of asthma and current medication use (N = 233) and restricted controls to children without a history of wheezing and no diagnosis of asthma (N = 241). After controlling for confounders (including infections, atopy, and socioeconomic status), family size was strongly related to asthma. Having no siblings [prevalence odds ratio (POR) = 2.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05-6.01] or one sibling (POR = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.14-3.03) was associated with an increased risk of asthma compared with having more than one sibling. Parent-reported rubeola infection (and possibly other similar viral exanthems) was independently associated with a decreased risk of asthma (POR = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.27-0.83), but reported pertussis infection (POR = 1.57; 95% CI = 0.58-4.24) and day care attendance in the first year of life (POR = 1.81; 95% CI = 0.93-3.51) were not strongly associated with increased risks of asthma.

Serum and red blood cell folate concentrations, race, and education: findings from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Little is known about the relations between race or ethnicity, educational attainment, and serum and red blood cell folate concentrations. We examined the relation between educational attainment and serum and red blood cell folate concentrations in 8457 white, African American, and Mexican American men and women aged > or = 17 y. We performed a cross-sectional analysis using data from Phase 1 of the third National health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1991). White men had significantly higher adjusted serum and red blood cell folate concentrations (16.9 and 502.6 nmol/L, respectively) than did African American men (15.6 and 423.3 nmol/L, respectively) or Mexican American men (16.0 and 457.0 nmol/L, respectively); white women had significantly higher concentrations (18.4 and 515.9 nmol/L, respectively) than did African American women (16.3 and 415.4 nmol/L, respectively) or Mexican American women (15.9 and 455.7 nmol/L, respectively). For the entire sample, rank correlation coefficients between educational attainment and serum and red blood cell folate were 0.11 and 0.12, respectively, and were larger in white participants than in other participants. No significant linear trends between adjusted serum or red blood cell folate and educational attainment were found. Among participants with > 12 y of education, the mean adjusted concentrations of serum folate were 15% and 18% lower and those of red blood cell were 18% and 22% lower in African American men and women than in white men and women, respectively. African Americans and Mexican Americans could benefit most from public health programs to boost folate intakes by encouraging increased intake of folate-rich foods and vitamin supplements.

Vitamin and calcium supplement use is associated with decreased adenoma recurrence in patients with a previous history of neoplasia.

Although some have suggested that certain vitamins or calcium supplements may reduce adenoma recurrence, our own prior retrospective study found no such effects. The purpose of this case-control study was to further investigate whether regular vitamin or calcium supplement intake influenced the incidence of recurrent adenomatous polyps in patients with previous neoplasia who were undergoing follow-up colonoscopy. This study enrolled 1,162 patients who underwent colonoscopy by one of three surgeons at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City between March 1993 and February 1997. Of these patients 448 (250 males) had a previous diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia (cancer, adenomas, or dysplasia). Of these, 183 (40.8 percent) had an adenoma at the index colonoscopy. Information was collected on personal and family history of colonic diseases, cigarette smoking, medication, and vitamin and micronutrient supplement usage on a questionnaire that was completed by the patients before the colonoscopy. Odds ratios were obtained by unconditional logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age and gender, and used adenoma recurrence at index colonoscopy as the outcome. The mean interval between colonoscopic examinations was 37 months for the recurrent adenoma group and 38 months for the nonrecurrent group of patients (P = not significant). In this case-control study we found a protective effect for the use of vitamin supplements in general (any vitamin) on the recurrence of adenomas (odds ratio, 0.41; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.27-0.61). Specifically, this protective effect was observed for the use of multivitamins (odds ratio, 0.47; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.31-0.72), vitamin E (odds ratio, 0.62; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.39-0.98), and for calcium supplementation (odds ratio, 0.51; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.27-0.96). Nonsignificant protective effects were noted for carotene/vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin C. The use of multivitamins, vitamin E, and calcium supplements were found to be associated with a lower incidence of recurrent adenomas in a population of patients with history of previous colonic neoplasia. Prospective, randomized trials are needed to better assess the impact of these agents and to determine whether the use of these supplements is associated with a protective effect against recurrent adenomas.

Use of vitamins and minerals all food supplements from the MONICA cross-sectional study of 1994/95 from the Augsburg study region

The intake of vitamin and mineral supplements was examined in a southern German population. Analyses are based on data from the 3rd survey of the MONICA Project Augsburg which took place from 1994 to 1995. The study population were 4,856 persons aged 25 to 74 years of a representative sample (net response 74.9%). During a standardized interview, participants were asked about their intake of vitamin or mineral supplments in the previous week (information available from 4,854 persons). To evaluate this information, a database on vitamin and mineral contents of about 500 supplements was established. The prevalence of supplement users is significantly higher among women than among men: more than a quarter of women (27.5%) versus nearly a fifth of men (18.1%). With increasing age women take supplements more frequently, especially minerals. Male supplement usage increases up to the age group 35-44 years and then remains constant. Vitamin C (women 12.8%, men 9.4%), magnesium (women 12.4%, men 8.7%), vitamin E (women 9.8%, men 7.8%), and calcium (women 10.7%, men 4.9%) are the vitamins and minerals supplemented most often. Among supplement users, 46.5% of women and 52.1% of men reported taking vitamin C. The median daily intake of vitamins--except biotin and niacin in men and folic acid and biotin in women--is at least 100% of the recommendations of the German Society for Nutrition for both men and women. All of the median intake values for minerals were less or equal than 100% of the recommendations.

Effects of dietary oils and antioxidant vitamin supplement intake on fluidity and enzyme activities of hepatic microsomes: Lutz, M., Alvarado, J., Bonilla, S., Luna, L. Universidad de Valparaíso, Casilla 5001, Valparaíso, Chile

Effects of dietary oils and antioxidant vitamin supplement intake on fluidity and enzyme activities of hepatic microsomes: Lutz, M., Alvarado, J., Bonilla, S., Luna, L. Universidad de Valparaíso, Casilla 5001, Valparaíso, Chile

Effects of dietary oils and antioxidant vitamin supplement intake on fatty acid composition of microsomes in the rat: Sánchez, V., Lutz, M. Escuela de Quimica y Farmacia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Casilla 5001, Valparaíso, Chile

Effects of dietary oils and antioxidant vitamin supplement intake on fatty acid composition of microsomes in the rat: Sánchez, V., Lutz, M. Escuela de Quimica y Farmacia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Casilla 5001, Valparaíso, Chile