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Research: BERG and colleagues, Depa
Listed in Issue 28
Abstract
BERG and colleagues, Department of Epidemiology, University of Ulm, Germany write that antioxidants, particularly carotenoids, may influence risk of cardiovascular disease. The authors studied the influence of oral contraceptives (OC) upon beta-carotene blood serum concentration, which may affect risk of cardiovascular diseases due to its antioxidative properties. @m: 610 healthy nonpregnant and nonlactating women aged 18-44 living in private homes in Germany in 1987-1988 participated in an epidemiological study comprising a detailed questionnaire regarding medical history, lifestyle factors, a 7-day food record and blood samples. @r:RESULTS: The use of oral contraceptives was negatively associated with serum levels of beta-carotene, following adjustment for age, smoking, alcohol consumption dietary intake of beta-carotene, vitamin supplement use, body mass index, pregnancies and total triglyceride and cholesterol serum levels. There was a strong interaction between OC use and age upon beta-carotene concentration as follows: 1) among 35-44 year old women the use of OC was associated with a strong decrease in beta-carotene levels; 2) Among 25-34 year old women there was a modest yet significant negative association between OC use and beta-carotene levels; 3) Among 18-24 year old women there was no relationship between OC use and serum beta-carotene levels. These interactions between OC use and age could be explained partly by the use of oral contraceptives with higher oestrogen content. @c:CONCLUSIONS: The use of oral contraceptives appears to be strongly associated with serum levels of beta-carotene, especially in women above 35 years. Further research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms of this relationship and its implications regarding health risks for oral contraceptive use.
Background
Methodology
Results
Conclusion
References
Berg G et al. Use of oral contraceptives and serum beta-carotene. Eur J Clin Nutr 51(3): 181-7. Mar 1997.
Comment
This research finding could have major detrimental health implications for the millions of women who use oral contraception methods, since beta-carotene is one of the most important antioxidants which has been shown to play a major role in the prevention of many cancers.
