[Differences in plasma antioxidants according to socioeconomic level in Chilean women].

BACKGROUND

Free radical-mediated oxidative damage is a known initial event in atherogenesis. Cardiovascular disease is frequent in the Chilean population showing differences in the prevalence of risk factors of the disease according to socioeconomic level (SEL).

AIM

To determine levels of antioxidants and lipid peroxides in Chilean women from different SEL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Blood samples were taken from 81 women for measurements of plasma ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, licopene, ubiquinol, glutathione, total plasma antioxidant capacity, and lipid peroxides (TBARS).

RESULTS

Individuals in the lower SEL showed reduced levels of plasma beta-carotene, ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, and ubiquinol compared to women in the higher SEL. There were no differences between groups in the plasma levels of glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, or TBARS.

CONCLUSIONS

The results could be explained in part by the higher consumption of fruits and vegetables in women from the upper SEL.