Supplementation with combined antioxidant vitamins enhances antioxidant status and decreases lipid peroxidation in plasma and in LDL

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of supplementation with combined antioxidant vitamins (β-carotene + vitamin C + vitamin E) on antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in the plasma and in LDL, on blood pressure and on plasma lipid levels of hyperlipidemic smoking males. Furthermore, the effects of the dosage (15 mg β-carotene + 500 mg vitamin C + 400 mg vitamin E or 30 mg β-carotene + 1000 mg vitamin C + 800 mg vitamin E) and the duration (3- or 6-week) of the supplementation were also studied. The results showed that dietary intake in hyperlipidemic smokers was affected neither by the dosage nor by the duration of the supplementation. However, the concentrations of plasma antioxidant vitamins were significantly higher in hyperlipidemic smokers after a 3-week supplementation with combined antioxidant vitamins than before supplementation. After a 6-week supplementation, plasma levels of β- carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E were significantly increased by 191, 98, and 130%, respectively, in the low-dose supplementation group, and by 212, 216, and 198%, respectively, in the high-dose supplementation group. Total antioxidant status in the plasma was also significantly elevated in both groups. The levels of plasma lipid peroxidation products were significantly decreased by 16% in the low-dose supplementation group after a 3-week supplementation, and by 17% in high-dose supplementation group after a 6-week supplementation. The levels of lipid peroxidation products in the LDL were reduced with increased duration of the supplementation in both groups. However, blood pressure and plasma lipid levels were not affected in hyperlipidemic smokers supplemented with combined antioxidant vitamins during the experimental period. Therefore, hyperlipidemic smokers had increased antioxidant status in the plasma, but decreased lipid peroxidation in the plasma and LDL after a 6-weeks supplementation with combined antioxidant vitamins. Similar effects on the antioxidant status of high and low doses of the supplementation were found.