RESUMO
Background and Objective: The imbalance between reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant defense determines the degree of oxidative stress. Vitamin C and GSH are important antioxidants, protects the cells from toxins such as free radicals. A total serum protein test measures the total amount of protein in the blood. The objective of the present study was to analyze the oxidative stress in elderly women, by evaluating the antioxidant status (vitamin c and glutathione), total protein and albumin levels. Materials and Methods: The study group includes, Group 1 and Group 2 with 50 institutionalized and 50 non- institutionalized women’s belonging at the age group of 50-65 years respectively. 2ml of venous blood was collected for the analysis of the level of Vitamin C, Total protein, Albumin and Glutathione by standard methods. Data were analyzed for the statistical significance using one way ANOVA. p<0.05 was considered significant. Result: The level of Vitamin C, Total proteins and Glutathione were significantly declined (p=0.03, p=0.01 and p=0.006) in institutionalized women’s as compared to non-institutionalized women’s. Conclusion: Antioxidant and Total proteins are considered to be important in the maintenance of health. Antioxidant and Total protein levels were showing general tendency to decrease during ageing.