German researchers compared the data of 22 CF patients with 35 healthy control subjects, divided into 4 age groups ranging in age from less than 6 years old to 18 years old. Fasting blood samples, buccal muscosal cells samples (from the oral cavity), and breath condensate were obtained from the participants and analyzed for carotenoids, alpha-tocopherol, vitamin C, protein carbonyls, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and F2-isoprostane.
The researchers found that plasma vitamin C, and plasma and tissue alpha-tocopherol levels decreased significantly with age in CF patients. Plasma beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene were significantly lower in CF patients, compared with the control subjects in all age groups. Findings also revealed that plasma and tissue alpha-tocopherol and plasma vitamin C levels were significantly lower and oxidative stress markers higher in the 18 year old CF patients, compared with the control subjects in the same age group. "We suggest that early in life dietary habits should be improved and that innovative supplementation strategies should be applied to optimize the antioxidant status of patients with CF," the study authors conclude.
Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 16, 2006 07:19 PM
