Evaluation of retinol, alpha-tocopherol, and carotenoids in serum of men with cancer of the larynx before and after commercial enteral formula feeding.

BACKGROUND

Both epidemiologic and in vitro studies have indicated the inverse correlation between intake and/or blood concentrations of different carotenoids, retinol, and tocoferol with different chronic and degenerative disturbances (cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cataracts, aging). The purpose of this study was to determine the fat-soluble vitamin and carotenoid levels in men with recently diagnosed cancer of the larynx (n = 51) who had undergone total or partial laryngectomy and compare them with those of an age- and sex-matched control group (n = 51). In addition, the effects of commercial enteral formula feeding were assessed in a subgroup of these patients (n = 35).

METHODS

A validated high-performance liquid chromatography method was used to determine the concentrations of six carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene), retinol, and alpha-tocopherol in serum. Commercial, rather than blender prepared, enteral formulas were supplied to the patients as the only food source for an average period of 12 days. The statistical analysis was based on nonparametric methods (Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon).

RESULTS

The levels of all compounds analyzed were significantly lower in men with laryngeal cancer than in the control group. Retinol and tocopherol increased significantly after enteral formula feeding, although they continued to be significantly lower than those of the controls. The carotenoid levels decreased after enteral nutrition.

CONCLUSIONS

The retinol and carotenoid concentrations should be monitored on a routine basis in these patients because of their relationship to this type of cancer. Moreover, it would be of interest to assess the effects of the addition of carotenoids to enteral formulas because they may offer protection from oxidative damage and potentiate the immune system.