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The relationship between body composition and vitamin E status in females aged 18–40 years

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2012

A. Mullee ,
M. S. Mulhern ,
J. M. W. Wallace  and
J. J. Strain
A. Mullee
Affiliation:
Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
M. S. Mulhern
Affiliation:
Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
J. M. W. Wallace
Affiliation:
Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
J. J. Strain
Affiliation:
Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
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Abstract

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Proceedings of the Nutrition Society , Volume 71 , Issue OCE2: Summer Meeting hosted by the Irish Section, 16–19 July 2012, Translational nutrition: integrating research, practice and policy , 2012 , E129
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2012

Obesity is an independent risk factor and a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in the general population( Reference Whitlock, Lewington and Sherliker 1 ). The condition is associated with alterations in both lipid metabolism and adipose tissue distribution( Reference Kissebah, Vydelingum and Murray 2 ), which may affect plasma concentrations of the fat soluble vitamin E. Vitamin E, found in the diet in the form of four tocopherols (α-, β-, γ- and δ-) four tocotrienols (α-, β-, γ- and δ-), is an important antioxidant. Previous studies investigating the relationship between α-tocopherol, and % body fat have shown conflicting results, one study finding a positive correlation( Reference Grolier, Boirie and Levadoux 3 ) and the other no significant correlation( Reference Wallstrom, Wirfalt and Lahmann 4 ). The aim of this study was to determine whether plasma α- and γ-tocopherol concentrations were associated with measures of adiposity in apparently healthy females between 18 and 40 years of age.

A total of 32 normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) and 22 overweight/obese (BMI 25–39 kg/m2) volunteers participated in the study. Plasma α- and γ-tocopherol were measured by HPLC (Waters Ltd, Dublin, Ireland). Serum lipids were measured using standard commercial kits. Body composition was analysed using BodPod® by air displacement plethysmography.

ψResults expressed as medians and IQR.

Mean values were significantly different from those of normal weight.

* P=0.001; **P=0.001 from independent samples T-tests.

There were no significant differences in plasma α- and γ-tocopherol and lipid concentrations between the normal weight and the overweight obese groups. No significant correlations were found between plasma tocopherol status and measures of adiposity. In conclusion, vitamin E status does not appear to be affected by increased adiposity in females with a BMI of 25–39 kg/m2 compared to normal weight females. Due to a limited sample size, further research is warranted to investigate if obesity affects vitamin E status.

References

1. Whitlock, G, Lewington, S, Sherliker, P et al. (2009) Lancet 373, 1083–1096.Google Scholar
2. Kissebah, AH, Vydelingum, N, Murray, R et al. (1982) J Clin Endocrinol Metab 54, 254–260.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
3. Grolier, P, Boirie, Y, Levadoux, E et al. (2000) Br J Nutr 84, 711–716.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
4. Wallstrom, P, Wirfalt, E, Lahmann, PH et al. (2001) Am J Clin Nutr 73, 777–785.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
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