Reduced plasma concentrations of alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene in obese boys.

Plasma alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene concentrations were significantly lower in obese boys than in control subjects (medians: 3.41 versus 7.46 mg/L and 0.038 versus 0.078 mg/L, respectively, p < 0.05). The differences remained significant after correction for lipidemia. These reduced plasma concentrations of the major lipid-soluble antioxidants in obese children may add to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in obesity.