Circulating oxidized low-density lipoproteins are associated with overweight, obesity, and low serum carotenoids in older community-dwelling women.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine whether total serum carotenoids, alpha-tocopherol, selenium, and obesity were independently associated with oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDLs) in moderately to severely disabled older women living in the community.

METHODS

Serum ox-LDLs, carotenoids, alpha-tocopherol, and selenium were measured in a population-based sample of 543 moderately to severely disabled women > or = 65 y in the Women's Health and Aging Study I in Baltimore, Maryland.

RESULTS

Total serum carotenoids, smoking, overweight (body mass index 25-29.9 kg/m(2)), and obesity (body mass index > or = 30 mg/kg(2)) were significantly associated with the ox-LDL/LDL cholesterol ratio after adjusting for age, C-reactive protein, and chronic diseases. alpha-Tocopherol and selenium were not significantly associated with the ox-LDL/LDL cholesterol ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

Older women who are overweight or obese or who have low total serum carotenoids are more likely to have higher lipoprotein oxidation. Weight reduction in overweight/obese women and increased intake of carotenoid-rich foods may potentially reduce lipoprotein oxidation.