Selenium and Carotenoid Levels Predict Mortality in Older Women
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By
VRP Staff
Older women who have higher blood levels of carotenoids and selenium have a reduced risk of death, according to a study by Johns Hopkins and University of Pennsylvania researchers.
These nutrients have been shown to play a role in the antioxidant defenses against inflammation. Consequently, the authors of the current study decided to investigate whether selenium and carotenoid levels in older women could predict mortality associated with various inflammation-related degenerative diseases.
The researchers studied 632 women, aged 70 to 79 years old, who were enrolled in the Women’s Health and Aging Studies I and II in Baltimore, Maryland. The women’s serum selenium and carotenoid levels were measured at baseline and the subjects were followed for more than 5 years to determine their mortality rate. During this time, about 14 percent of the subjects died from five major causes of death: heart disease, cancer, stroke, infection, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
After adjusting for age, education, smoking, body mass index, poor appetite, and chronic diseases, higher serum selenium and carotenoid levels were associated with a lower risk of death.
Reference:
Ray AL, Semba RD, Walston J, Ferrucci L, Cappola AR, Ricks MO, Xue QL, Fried LP. Low Serum Selenium and Total Carotenoids Predict Mortality among Older Women Living in the Community: The Women"s Health and Aging Studies. J Nutr. 2006 Jan;136(1):172-6.
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