The effect of bioactive complex of quercetin, selenium, catechins and curcumin on cardiovascular risk markers in healthy population after a two month consumption.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition is an important factor in prevention of degenerative age-related diseases. Health benefits of the functional food - cereal selenized onion biscuits with bioactive complex such as selenium in organic form, quercetin (onion), curcumin (curcuma) and catechins (green tea) were evaluated. METHODS: In a group of randomly selected 50 apparently healthy men, aged 30-50 years, the levels of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), homocysteine (HCy) and its nutritional determinants (methionine, vitamin B12, folic acid, cysteine, vitamin B6) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) were measured and the LDL cholesterol and atherogenic index was calculated before and after a 2-month consumption period and after a 2-month wash-out period. RESULTS: The significant reduction of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, atherogenic index, HCy and ADMA was found after onion biscuit consumption. Alternative pathway for HCy degradation using betaine as methyl donor is probably a sole argument for reduced HCy value at the significantly reduced concentrations of the methionine, folic acid, cysteine and vitamin B6. Value of hs-CRP was non-significantly reduced after biscuit consumption. CONCLUSION: The results of improved lipid profile, significantly reduced values of HCy and ADMA document a beneficial effect of cereal biscuit with selenized onion, curcuma and green tea in prevention of cardiovascular disease (Tab. 2, Ref. 19).

Selected biomarkers of age-related diseases in older subjects with different nutrition.

BACKGROUND: The nutritionists introduce on the base of epidemiological and clinical studies that appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Aging belongs to the main risks of cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Markers of age-related diseases (cardiovascular, metabolic syndrome, diabetes) were assessed in two nutritional groups of older apparently healthy non-obese non-smoking women aged 60-70 years, 45 vegetarians (lacto-ovo-vegetarians and semi-vegetarians) and 38 non-vegetarians (control group on a traditional mixed diet, general population). RESULTS: Vegetarian values of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triacylglycerols, C-reactive protein, glucose, insulin and insulin resistance are significantly reduced. Non-vegetarian average values of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and C-reactive protein are risk. Vegetarians have a better antioxidative status (significantly increased vitamin C, lipid-standardized vitamine E and beta-carotene plasma concentrations). CONCLUSION: Favourable values of cardiovascular risk markers in older vegetarian women document a beneficial effect of vegetarian nutrition in prevention of this disease as well as the vegetarian diet can be an additional factor in therapy. Vegetarians suffer from mild hyperhomocysteinemia; it is due to the lower vitamin B12 concentration. Vitamin B12 supplements are inevitable for the hyperhomocysteinemia prevention (Tab. 2, Ref. 26).

Plasma concentrations of selected antioxidants in autistic children and adolescents.

Few studies have demonstrated an increased vulnerability to oxidative stress in autism. The results of previous studies have shown that endogenous antioxidant defence is insufficient, indicating that exogenous antioxidant could play a crucial role for oxidative stress prevention in autism. Plasma concentrations of vitamins C, E, A, carotenoids beta-carotene and lycopene were measured in 51 subjects with autistic spectrum disorders aged 5-18 years (27 children aged 5-10 years, 24 subjects aged 11-18 years). Older autistic group was compared with a group of healthy Slovak subjects aged 11-18 years. Older autistic subjects vs. healthy control showed significantly higher vitamin C and beta-carotene plasma values with 92% and 71% vs 54% and 13% of optimal over-threshold values, respectively. This indicates a reduced risk of free radical disease. In younger vs. older autistic group the similarly high plasma vitamin concentrations were recorded. Favourable values of these vitamins suggested that consumption of fruit and vegetables in autistic subjects is optimal. Autistic average vitamin E and A plasma concentrations (non-significantly changed in comparison to control group) were below-threshold with low percentage of over-threshold values. Insufficient vitamin E and A plasma values indicate lower consumption of food rich in vitamins A and E (e.g. whole-grain products, plant oils, oil seeds, nuts, fat spreads and dairy products). Autistic average lycopene concentration is lower in comparison to published non-Slovak data. Conclusions of this pilot study suggest that plasma concentrations of exogenous antioxidants, vitamins E and A, and lycopene in autistic subjects are insufficient (Tab. 1, Ref. 30). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

Effects of diet and age on oxidative damage products in healthy subjects.

Damage of molecules as a consequence of oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases related to aging. Diet is a key environmental factor affecting the incidence of many chronic diseases. Antioxidant substances in diet enhance the DNA, lipid and protein protection by increasing the scavenging of free radicals. Products of oxidative damage of DNA (DNA strand breaks with oxidized purines or oxidized pyrimidines), lipids (conjugated dienes of fatty acids) and proteins (carbonyls) in relation to nutrition (vegetarian diet vs. non-vegetarian, traditional mixed diet) were measured in young women aged 20-30 years (46 vegetarians, 48 non-vegetarians) vs. older women aged 60-70 years (33 vegetarians, 34 non-vegetarians). In young subjects, no differences in values of oxidative damage as well as plasma values of antioxidative vitamins (C,beta-carotene) were observed between vegetarian and non-vegetarian groups. In older vegetarian group significantly reduced values of DNA breaks with oxidized purines, DNA breaks with oxidized pyrimidines and lipid peroxidation and on the other hand, significantly increased plasma values of vitamin C and beta-carotene were found compared to the respective non-vegetarian group. Significant age dependences of measured parameters (increase in all oxidative damage products and decrease in plasma vitamin concentrations in older women) were noted only in non-vegetarians. Vegetarian values of older women vs. young women were similar or non-significantly changed. The results suggest that increase of oxidative damage in aging may be prevented by vegetarian nutrition.

Vitamin C protective plasma value.

The relationship of plasma concentration and intake of vitamin C was measured in a randomly selected group of 368 apparently healthy adult subjects of two nutritional regimens: traditional mixed diet (general population, n=187) and vegetarians (n=181). The condition of protective plasma concentration over 50 micromol/l (50.3-89.4 micromol/l), the value of which reduces the risk of free radical disease, was found in 87 subjects from the general population group, in whom the average vitamin C intake was 124.2 mg per day in range of 92-181. The recommended dietary allowance for this group in amount of 77 mg of vitamin C daily was calculated from current Slovak recommendations being in amount of 80 mg per day for men and 75 mg for women. Previous epidemiological studies as well as the presented results show that approximately a half of Slovak general population have vitamin C deficient (below 23 micromol/l) or suboptimal (23-50 micromol/l) plasma concentrations with insufficient antioxidative protection. Significantly higher plasma vitamin C concentrations in comparison to non-vegetarians were observed in the vegetarian group. Protective concentrations were noted in 88% of vegetarians vs 46% of non-vegetarians. The significantly reduced values of products of oxidative damage of DNA (DNA breaks with oxidised purines and oxidised pyrimidines), lipids (conjugated dienes of fatty acids, malondialdehyde) and proteins (carbonyls) were found in subjects with plasma vitamin C concentrations being over 50 micromol/l vs. below 50 micromol/l. The data emphasize the role of vitamin C in free radical disease prevention under the condition of protective, antioxidative concentrations. The results of general population group document the need to revise the recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C as well as to change the nutritional habits including regular consumption of fruit and vegetables several times daily (Tab. 3, Ref. 28).

The prevalence of female obesity in the world and in the Slovak Gypsy women.

OBJECTIVES: Paper is focused (1) on the comparison of some parameters (body height, body weight, blood pressure, BMI values) in Gypsy and non-Gypsy women from eastern and western Slovakia; (2) on the comparison of biochemical parameters in the Gypsy minority and majority of western Slovakia. BACKGROUND: There is not enough of available reliable data on health status of Slovak Gypsy minority. METHODS: Gypsy and non-Gypsy women (57 and 56 subjects) from the western region of Slovakia (Zlate Klasy, Gbely) as well as Gypsy and non-Gypsy women (393 and 444 subjects) from the eastern region of Slovakia (Presov region) were investigated. Values of body height, body weight, blood pressure and calculated values of BMI (body mass index) were performed. Biochemical parameters of 269 Gypsies and 346 non-Gypsy persons from western Slovakia were measured. The statistically significant cut-off point was p < 0.05. RESULTS: In all age groups, the BMI values of Gypsy women were higher than those of non-Gypsy women. The occurrence of obesity, overweight, and hypertension was higher in the Gypsy population from both eastern and western regions of Slovakia. In the group of Gypsy minority of western Slovakia, the parameters of metabolic syndrome (dyslipidemia--high concentrations of triglycerides, low concentrations of HDL cholesterol, high concentrations of fasting insulin, and high values of insulin resistance) were found to be significantly changed. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the risk of atherogenesis in Gypsy minority has considerably increased and this is caused by unfavourable factors such as an increase in the prevalence of obesity, hypertension, smoking and the deficiency in protective substances leading to dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome and diabetes (Fig. 2, Tab. 4, Ref 10). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

Nutritional determinants of plasma homocysteine.

The total Hcy, methionine, vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin B6 blood concentrations were measured in apparently healthy adult subjects aged 20-30 years with three types of nutrition - 52 normal weight subjects of general population on traditional mixed diet (non-vegetarians), 52 normal weight vegetarians and 24 overweight and obese non-vegetarians. In the groups with lower methionine intake (vegetarians, normal weight non-vegetarians; methionine intake 0.45-2.12 g/day), Hcy values are dependent on vitamin B12 and folic acid. Vegetarian Hcy concentration is significantly increased and hyperhomocysteinemia was found in 35% of vegetarians vs 10% of non-vegetarians. Elevated Hcy values in vegetarians are the consequence of vitamin B12 deficiency - 31% of vegetarians with deficient serum values vs 2% of non-vegetarians (vitamin is not contained in plant food). Non-vegetarians are more deficient in folic acid (8% vs 0% in vegetarians) due to of lower consumption of food rich in folic acid (vegetables, whole grain products, pulses, seeds). The results suggest that in healthy population, a correct nutritional regime with an optimal intake of nutritional Hcy determinants is crucial for the maintenance of Hcy concentration in normal range and for the prevention of hyperhomocysteinemia (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 27). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

Products of DNA, protein and lipid oxidative damage in relation to vitamin C plasma concentration.

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic age-related free radical-induced diseases. Improved antioxidant status minimizes oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, lipids and other biomolecules. Diet-derived antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids and related plant pigments are important in antioxidative defense and maintaining health. The results of long-term epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that protective vitamin C plasma concentration for minimum risk of free radical disease is higher than 50 micromol/l. Products of oxidative damage to DNA (DNA strand breaks with oxidized purines and pyrimidines), proteins (carbonyls) and lipids (conjugated dienes of fatty acids, malondialdehyde) were estimated in a group of apparently healthy adult non-smoking population in dependence on different vitamin C plasma concentrations. Under conditions of protective plasma vitamin C concentrations (>50 micromol/l) significantly lower values of DNA, protein and lipid oxidative damage were found in comparison with the vitamin C-deficient group (<50 micromol/l). The inhibitory effect of higher fruit and vegetable consumption (leading to higher vitamin C intake and higher vitamin C plasma concentrations) on oxidation of DNA, proteins and lipids is also expressed by an inverse significant correlation between plasma vitamin C and products of oxidative damage. The results suggest an important role of higher and frequent consumption of protective food (fruit, vegetables, vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and cereal grains) in prevention of free radical disease.

Health benefits and risks of plant proteins.

Plant proteins have a reduced content of essential amino acids in comparison to animal proteins. A significant reduction of limiting amino acids (methionine, lysine, tryptophan) means lower protein synthesis. In subjects with predominant or exclusive consumption of plant food a higher incidence of hypoproteinemia due to significant reduction of methionine and lysine intakes was observed. On the other hand, lower intake of these amino acids provides a preventive effect against cardiovascular disease via cholesterol regulation by an inhibited hepatic phospholipid metabolism. Vegetarians have a significantly higher intake of non-essential amino acids arginine and pyruvigenic amino acids glycine, alanine, serine. When plant protein is high in non-essential amino acids, down-regulation of insulin and up-regulation of glucagon is a logical consequence. The action of glucagon in the liver is mediated by stimulation of adenyl cyclase that raises cyclic-AMP (adenosine-3,5-monophosphate) concentrations. Cyclic-AMP down-regulates the synthesis of a number of enzymes required for de novo lipogenesis and cholesterol synthesis, up-regulates key gluconeogenic enzymes and the LDL receptors and decreases the IGF-1 activity (insulin-like growth factor). Cyclic-AMP thus provides a reduction of atherosclerosis risk factors as well as a retardation of cancer development. A sufficient consumption of plant proteins has the protective effects against chronic degenerative diseases (Tab. 2, Ref. 26).

Health status of the Slovakia population at its entry to the European Union.

The health status of the Slovak Republic (SR) population on the eve of its entry to the European Union (EU) was generally worse than the EU average. Life expectancy at birth was in SR for males 70 years, in EU 75.5 years and for females 78 in SR and 82 in EU. Premature mortality for the age interval 0-64 years (standardized death rates--SDR per 100,000) was mostly higher in SR; male mortality being almost twice as high as in EU. The reason was a significantly higher mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases, malignant neoplasms and mortality from external causes. Also mortality caused by diseases of respiratory and digestive system, by cirrhosis and diabetes is higher in SR both in male and female populations. However, there were some positive aspects in SR. Mortality caused by infectious and parasitic diseases was lower in SR for both males and females. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in EU was five times higher than in SR. SR has one of the lowest concentrations of newly registered AIDS cases in all Europe. Immunization coverage in SR is higher than in many EU countries. The health status of children population in SR is not significantly worse than in EU. However, the global health status image seems worse due to values of the Gypsy minority. Trends of premature mortality are favourable in SR. Mortality from cardiovascular diseases, external causes of injury and poison and from diseases of respiratory system is falling. Infant mortality is falling while the average life expectancy of both men and women is rising. However, with health care improving constantly in EU countries in all these areas, it will not be easy for SR to catch up with EU. We estimate that this process might possibly take up to 20 years. (Tab. 5, Fig. 11, Ref. 26.)

C-reactive protein and nutrition.

High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a proven method to better predict the cardiovascular risk and target therapeutic interventions. Serum concentrations of hsCRP were measured in an adult apparently healthy population aged 19-75 years of different nutrition: a vegetarian group (lacto- and lacto-ovo-vegetarians who consumed plant food, dairy products and eggs) and a group of non-vegetarians (general population) on traditional mixed diet. The average hsCRP concentration was significantly reduced in the vegetarian group (0.72 +/- 0.07 vs 1.62 +/- 0.12 mg/l) with no risk values >3 mg/l vs 14 % in non-vegetarians. In non-vegetarians, a positive linear correlation of hsCRP values and age (r=0.35, p<0.001) was recorded vs horizontal trend line in vegetarians. Low and age independent concentration of hsCRP in vegetarians is the consequence of a long-term consumption of fruits and vegetables. These food commodities are important sources of dietary salicylates as well as other anti-inflammatory compounds (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 15).

Cardiovascular risk factors in young Gypsy population.

Lipid and non-lipid cardiovascular risk parameters (cholesterol, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, homocysteine, C-reactive protein, insulin resistance) and data about blood pressure, smoking, body mass index were assessed in two ethnic groups aged 19-35 years--the Gypsy group (n=122) and the Slovak group (n=137) of two regions with a high density of Gypsy population. In the Gypsy group, the values of triglycerides, atherogenic index, insulin, insulin resistance were significantly increased and the level of HDL-cholesterol was significantly decreased. The risk value of atherogenic index was found in 27 % of Gypsy vs 13 % of majority subjects, and 28 % vs 24 % of subjects had hypertriglyceridemia. Risk value of insulin resistance (HOMA) was presented in 11 % of the Gypsy vs 5 % of the majority group. More obese subjects (20 % vs 8 %), more smokers (55 % vs 25 %) and more subjects with low education (85 % vs 27 %) were recorded in the minority group. The greater occurrence of dyslipidemia, obesity and insulin resistance in young Gypsy subjects is influenced with lifestyle (nutrition /prevalence of animal fat consumption, low consumption of food with low glycemic index and soluble fibre/, smoking, low physical activity) as well as low educational status. (Tab. 2, Ref. 22.).

Lipid peroxidation in men after dietary supplementation with a mixture of antioxidant nutrients.

Antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes protect living organisms against the attack of reactive oxygen species. An adequate daily intake of the individual antioxidants is therefore important to prevent the cells against oxidative damage. We investigated the effect of a modest dietary supplementation with a mixture of antioxidant nutrients (100 mg vitamin E, 100 mg vitamin C,6 mg beta-carotene and 50 microg of selenium per day) for 3 months on the plasma antioxidant capacity and indices of oxidative stress. Two groups of middle-age men were selected: group 1 with survivors of myocardial infarction (MI), and group 2 with clinically normal controls. The values of total antioxidant capacity of plasma (FRAP) significantly increased after supplementation with antioxidants in the both groups. Markers of in vivo lipid peroxidation, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and conjugated diene (CD) levels significantly decreased in the both supplemented groups. MDA and CD values were significantly higher at baseline in the group of survivors of myocardial infarction when compared with the group of healthy men. The results demonstrate that short-term and modest supplementation with a mixture of antioxidant nutrients improves antioxidative capacity and reduces products of lipid peroxidation in plasma. Since a more pronounced effect was observed within the group of survivors of myocardial infarction, a recommendation of antioxidant supplements seems appropriate for patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. (Fig. 1, Ref. 19.)

Lipid peroxidation in relation to vitamin C and vitamin E levels.

Oxidative stress plays an important contributory role in the pathogenesis of age-related chronic diseases. Increased lipid peroxidation process is caused by an enhanced free radical formation together with a higher supply of substrates and by an insufficient defense by antioxidants as well. Levels of malondialdehyde to content of lipid peroxidation substrates (polyunsaturated fatty acids), promoters (homocysteine--hydroxyl radical producer) and inhibitors (essential vitamins C and E) were estimated in a group (n=92) of subjective healthy adults randomly selected from general population. The relationship of malondialdehyde levels to values of peroxidisability index of fatty acids as well as to levels of homocysteine is significantly positive linear A significant inverse linear correlation between malondialdehyde levels and natural antioxidant levels (vitamin C, vitamin E) was recorded. Lipid peroxidation products (conjugated dienes of fatty acids--initial, malondialdehyde--secondary) are significantly increased in groups of subjects with deficient levels of vitamin C (below the limit from antioxidative point of view), vitamin E and both vitamins, if compared to group with normal vitamin levels (over limit in accordance with antioxidative criterion). The results document that the deficiency in two key antioxidants for lipid peroxidation inhibition means the insufficient defense against free radicals and the increased lipid peroxidation.

Lipid peroxidation and nutrition.

Levels of conjugated dienes of fatty acids (first peroxidation product) in relation to their substrates and promotors (triacylglycerols, homocysteine, iron) as well as to their inhibitors (essential antioxidative vitamins) were assessed in a vegetarian group (n=24) and compared with subjects on a mixed diet (traditional nutrition, n=24). Positive significant linear correlation between conjugated dienes and triacylglycerols, homocysteine, iron as well as inverse relationship between conjugated dienes and vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene were observed in pooled groups. Lipid peroxidation risk in vegetarians seems to be caused predominantly by hyperhomocysteinemia, whereas in a mixed diet group this was due to a higher supply of substrates or risk iron values. The incidence of only 8 % of risk conjugated diene values in vegetarians in contrast to 42 % in the group with traditional diet indicates that vegetarians have a better antioxidative status as a consequence of regular consumption of protective food.

Oxidative DNA damage in relation to nutrition.

Oxidative DNA damage in humans could arise also from incorrect nutritional habit and life style. DNA strand breaks with apurinic/apyrimidinic sites, oxidized purines and oxidized pyrimidines were assessed in 24 subjectively healthy vegetarians (plant food, dairy products, eggs) and compared with 24 non-vegetarians (traditional diet, general population). DNA strand breaks + oxidized purines are significantly reduced in vegetarians (p<0.05), DNA strand breaks are nonsignificantly decreased. The sufficient antioxidative status (overthreshold values of natural essential antioxidants, which mean a reduced risk of free radical disease) is crucial in free radical defense. Intake of protective food commodities (fruit, vegetables, dark grain products, grain sprouts, oil seeds) is significantly higher in vegetarians. Alternative nutrition subjects have a significantly increased plasma levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene with high incidence of overthreshold values (92% vs. 42% - vitamin C, 67% vs. 33% - vitamin E, 67% vs. 17% - beta-carotene). There is recorded a significant inverse linear correlation between values of DNA strand breaks + oxidized purines and vitamin C or beta-carotene levels (p<0.01, p<0.05). Vegetarian diet is significantly more rich source of antioxidants. The results of reduced endogenous DNA damage and higher antioxidative status in vegetarians document that a correct vegetarian nutrition might represent an effective cancer prevention.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Plasma Content in Groups of General Population with lowvitamin B6 or low iron serum levels.

Experimental and human studies describe the adverse effect of iron or vitamin B6 deficiencies on polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism. Iron is present in end proteins of the delta6-desaturase enzyme complex, and vitamin B6 deficiency can affect the transmethylation reaction of proteins. Plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid content was estimated in apparently healthy subjects of the general population with no consumption of fish and low vitamin B6 serum levels (< 3 microg/l; n = 21) or with low iron serum levels (men: < 12 micromol/l; women: < 10 micromol/l; n = 16) and compared to a control group (n = 22) with normal vitamin B6 and iron serum levels (in reference range). The activities of the delta6-desaturase enzyme complex were calculated as product/precursor (conversion indices). In groups of subjects with low vitamin B6 and low iron levels, delta6-desaturase activity together with delta5-desaturase activity (conversion of alpha-linolenic/18:3,n-3/ into eicosapentaenoic acid/20:5,n-3/) as well as the conversion index of docosahexaenoic acid formation (22:6,n-3) from 22:5,n-3 (second delta6-desaturase activity) were significantly reduced. The inhibition effect on fatty acid synthesis was more pronounced in subjects with low iron levels than in those with low vitamin B6 levels. The conversion indices correlated significantly positively with vitamin B6 or iron levels.

Homocysteine and its nutritional determinants in two ethnic groups of Slovakia.

Determinants of total homocysteine involve demographic (age, sex, ethnic origin), genetic (enzymatic defects of metabolic homocysteine pathways) and acquired factors (deficiency of B-group vitamins, state of health, lifestyle). Plasma levels of total homocysteine and serum levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin B6 were measured in adult apparently healthy Romany minority subjects (n=119) and compared with those levels in apparently healthy subjects of majority Slovak population (n=146). Mean homocysteine level was similar in both groups (9.92 micromol/l in the Romany vs. 9.61 micromol/l in majority group). Hyperhomocysteinemia was only observed in 3% of both ethnic probands. Vitamin B12 level was equal (301 micromol/l in the Romany and 311 micromol/ in majority group). Deficient levels were found in 4% of the Romany subjects and 9% of the majority subjects. Folic acid level was significantly lower in Romany group (11.3 nmol/l vs. 14.8 nmol/l) with deficiency in 42% of the Romany subjects vs. 28% in the majority subjects. This finding is a consequence of lower consumption of fruit, vegetables, pulses and whole grain products in the Romany group. Vitamin B6 deficiency was found in 68% of the Romany subjects and 40% of majority subjects. This vitamin is homocysteine determinant under excessive methionine intake (overnutrition with predominance of animal protein intake). As was demonstrated in a dietetic questionnaires, the Romany subjects are more frequent consumers of meat and eggs. This nutrition regime should indicate an increased homocysteine level under vitamin B6 deficiency. The results of normal homocysteine levels in the Romany population under condition of higher folic acid and vitamin B6 deficiencies, smoking and higher alcohol consumption may suggest a more effective homocysteine metabolism in relation to different ethnic origin.

Free radical disease prevention and nutrition.

An improved antioxidant status (overthreshold plasma values of essential antioxidants) minimizes the oxidative damage. The levels of antioxidant vitamins C and E, ,,antioxidant" trace elements selenium, zinc, copper and iron were measured in two groups of adults with different nutritional habits--alternative (vegetarians; n=110) and traditional (mixed diet, control, n=101). The prevalence of iron and zinc deficiencies was found in the alternative group (20% vs 11%--iron, 13% vs 9%--zinc) as a consequence of higher intake of plant trace element absorption inhibitors. As opposed to the latter, the control group had higher findings of iron and copper levels over the optimal range (18% vs 8%--iron, 11% vs 2%--copper). The subjects on mixed diet was showed a significant negative linear correlation between serum zinc and iron levels. This favourable relationship means a decrease in Fenton reaction by indirect zinc effect. Average plasma values of vitamin C, vitamin C/vitamin E, vitamin E/ cholesterol (LDL protection), vitamin E/triacylglycerols (polyunsaturated fatty acid protection) in vegetarians are over the threshold with high number of individual overthreshold values (94% vs 17%--vitamin C, 100% vs 58%--vitamin C/vitamin E, 89% vs 68%--vitamin E/cholesterol, 100% vs 64%--vitamin E/triacylglycerols). Homocysteine levels in vegetarians (36% atherogenic levels) correlate significantly inversely to vitamin C levels, the fact of which means a positive vitamin C effect in free radical remove also in hyperhomocysteinemia. Plant food is a rich source of antioxidants. A correct vegetarian nutrition or optimized mixed diets with regular and frequent consumption of protective food commodities may be an effective contribution to the age-related chronic degenerative disease prevention. (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 31.).

Iodine deficiency in vegetarians and vegans.

Iodine content in food of plant origin is lower in comparison with that of animal origin due to a low iodine concentration in soil. Urinary iodine excretion was assessed in 15 vegans, 31 lacto- and lacto-ovovegetarians and 35 adults on a mixed diet. Iodine excretion was significantly lower in alternative nutrition groups - 172 microg/l in vegetarians and 78 microg/l in vegans compared to 216 microg/l in subjects on a mixed diet. One fourth of the vegetarians and 80% of the vegans suffer from iodine deficiency (iodine excretion value below 100 microg/l) compared to 9% in the persons on a mixed nutrition. The results show that under conditions of alternative nutrition, there is a higher prevalence of iodine deficiency, which might be a consequence of exclusive or prevailing consumption of food of plant origin, no intake of fish and other sea products, as well as reduced iodine intake in the form of sea salt.