Chronic gum disease, known as periodontitis, is caused by an abnormal inflammatory-immune response to bacterial plaque formation in the tissue surrounding the teeth. Periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, type-2 diabetes and tooth loss. Now research reports that high blood antioxidant levels help prevent periodontitis. Antioxidants such as vitamin C neutralize harmful free radicals (unstable molecules that cause damage to cells) and protect against inflammation and age-related diseases.
The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, investigated whether serum antioxidant levels were associated with a lowered risk of periodontitis. Researchers at the University of Birmingham in England and Boston University, analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) including 11,480 adults. Periodontal measurements and levels of blood antioxidants including vitamins A, C and E, selenium, lutein, uric acid, beta cryptoxanthin, alpha carotene and beta carotene were obtained from the participants.
The researchers found that higher vitamin C, bilirubin, and total antioxidant levels were linked with a reduced risk of periodontitis, especially severe periodontitis. Participants with the highest vitamin C levels had a 39 percent reduced risk of periodontitis, compared to those with the lowest levels. Furthermore, participants with the highest vitamin C levels and never smoked had a 50 percent reduced risk of periodontitis, compared to those with the lowest levels.
"Increased serum antioxidant concentrations are associated with a reduced relative risk of periodontitis even in never-smokers," the study authors conclude.
REFERENCES:
1. Chapple IL et al. The prevalence of inflammatory periodontitis is negatively associated with serum antioxidant concentrations. J Nutr 2007 Mar;137(3):657-64.
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on February 28, 2007 01:39 PM
