• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.95-102
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• 2007

To elucidate the relationship among body mass index, nutrient intake and blood antioxidant capacity in the postmenopausal period, 60 women residing in Iksan area were recruited. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated base on height and weight, and food and nutrient intakes were estimated by 24-hour recalls of 3 non-consecutive days. Parameters of antioxidant capacity including the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (TA) were measured in fasting blood samples from the subjects. The average age, height, weight and BMI of the subjects were 65 years, 151.1cm, 59.5 kg and 26.0 m/kg$^2$, respectively. The macronutrient intake rate of carbohydrate : protein : fat were 65:17.5:17.5; the mean intakes of energy and protein were 1532.7 kcal (86.3% of RDA) and 67.1 g (122.0% of RDA) respectively. The mean intakes of phosphorus, vitamin A, niacin and vitamin C were higher than Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Koreans. On the other hand, calcium and riboflavin intakes were only 84.6% and 70.4% of RDA. Among the parameters of antioxidant capacity, SOD activity was significantly lower in lean subjects (BMI<20) than in the normal or overweight subjects (BMI${\geq}$20) (p<0.05). TAs of the subjects with the highest intakes of vegetables and fruits were significantly higher than those of subjects with lower intakes (p<0.05). Antioxidant capacity was compared among subjects according to 3 different nutrient intake levels according percentage of RDA for Koreans for selected nutrients with the following results: The high protein and niacin groups exhibited significantly lower TA status than those of the other intake groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, the low BMI was associated with lower SOD activity in postmenopausal women. Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables was associated with higher TA. When protein and niacin intakes were excessive, SOD activity and TA tended to be low. SOD and TA, among antioxidant indexes, seemed to be mostly influenced by other factors. Therefore, more studies on the effects of nutritional intake and the activity of antioxidant enzyme should be conducted.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.10
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• pp.1600-1605
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• 2007

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of oxidative stress on growth performance, nutrient digestibilities and activities of antioxidant enzymes of weanling pigs. In the experiment, 24 male $Landrance{\times}Yorkshire $weanling pigs were allotted to three groups of 8 animals each. Pigs were fed individually. According to a single factorial arrangement, pigs received diets with 5% of either fresh (group 1 and group 3) or oxidized fish oil (peroxide value was 786.50 meq $O_2/kg$ before inclusion in the diet, group 2). At the beginning of the experiment, pigs in group 3 received an intraperitoneal injection of diquat at 12 mg/kg of body weight. The trial lasted for 26 d. A metabolism test was carried out during the last 4 days of the second week. The results showed that feeding diets containing oxidized fish oil or injection with diquat depressed the growth performance and nutrient digestibilities of weanling pigs, decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes and increased concentration of malondialdehyde in plasma and liver. Intraperitoneal injection of diquat would induce more serious oxidative stress than oral intake of oxidized fish oil in the diet. In conclusion, administration of oxidized fish oil or diquat could induce oxidative stress in weanling pigs, and oxidative stress could depress growth performance and impact anti-oxidative ability of young pigs.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.287-297
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• 2003

This intervention study was performed to assess the effect of spirulina on lipid metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and immune function in elderly Koreans. The subjects were 6 male and 6 female people between the ages of 60 and 75, who were given spirulina supplements of 7.5 g/day for 24 weeks. Dietary intake, anthropometric measurements and biochemical assessment for plasma lipid levels, antioxidant status and immune function were measured before and throughout the intervention period. Before entering the study, the subjects were in relatively good health. Their nutrient intake was satisfactory, and anthropometric indices and plasma nutrient levels were within the normal range. Spirulina supplementation for 24 weeks did not affect dietary intake and anthropometric parameters. However, considerable changes were observed in blood lipid profiles, antioxidant capacity, and immune indices. The plasma concentrations of triglycerides, total- and LDL-cholesterol decreased from 4 weeks of the supplementation period. The antioxidant capacity improved, as shown in increasing TAS and decreasing TBARS after supplementation. Improved immune function was also observed as the PBL lymphocyte proliferation rate and plasma C3 levels increased. The above effects of spirulina supplementation did not differ between mild hypercholesterolemic (cholesterol $\geq$ 200mg/d1) and normochole-sterolemic (cholesterol < 200 mg/dl) subjects. This study provided evidence that spirulina could be used as dietary supplementation in nutritionally vulnerable groups to improve nutritional and health status and to prevent chronic disease such as hyperlipidemia or oxidation-prone diseases. further studies in this area with various population groups are warranted.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.51-56
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• 2001

This study was carried out to evaluate whether antioxidant nutrient suppplementation with $\alpha$-tocopherol, vitamin C, $\beta$-carotene, and selenium reduces the lipid peroxide levels and increases the antioxidative enzyme activities in patients with coronary hart disease. Eighty nine patients participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The antioxidant group (45 patients) was given daily doses of $\alpha$-tocopherol (400 IU), vitamin C (50 mg), $\beta$-carotene (15 mg), and selenium (50 $\mu\textrm{g}$) and forty four patients received a placebo. Thirty eight subjects (84.4%) of the antioxidant group and thirty nine subjects (88.6%) of the placebo group completed the three-month supplementation. Serum levels of tocopherol, vitamin C and $\beta$-carotene significantly increased in the antioxidant group compared with the baseline (p<0.05). Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances(TBARS) decreased significantly (0.6 nmol MDA/mL) in the antioxidant group compared with that (0.09 nmol MDA/mL) in the placebo group (p=0.03). However, antioxidant supplementation did not affect the level of oxidized-LDL measured as autoantibodies against oxidized-LDL. The superoxide dimutase activity in red blood cells increased in the antioxidant group compared with the baseline (p<0.05). However, glutathione peroxidase activities did not change after supplementation in both groups, and catalase activity significantly decreased in the placebo group (p<0.05). These results suggest that antioxidant supplementation for 3 months with $\alpha$-tocopherol, vitamin C, $\beta$-carotene and selenium in patients with coronary heat disease may be partially protective against oxidative stress.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.253-262
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• 2008

Previous studies have indicated that incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is partly related to the damage of antioxidant systems, but etiology of RA is not fully identified. This study was performed to evaluate nutrient intakes including antioxidants, health related behaviors and food habits of RA patients and controls. RA patient group (n = 68) and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 68) were joined in this study. Nutrient intake was estimated using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. As mean age of RA ($52.9{\pm}13.8$ years) was significantly higher than those of controls ($48.7{\mp}5.9$ years), data were analyzed by using Student's t-test, adjusted for age. There was no significant difference between two groups in body mass index. Compared with those of controls, frequencies of drinking (p < 0.001) and coffee consumption (p < 0.05) of RA groups were lower. RA groups had lower frequencies of fruit (p < 0.01), vegetable (p < 0.05) and fatty meat (p < 0.05) consumptions and balanced diet (p < 0.01), and higher frequencies of fried dishes (p < 0.01), and salty dishes (p < 0.01), compared to controls. The most nutrient intakes including energy intake of RA were tended to be lower than those of controls. Vitamin A, ${\beta}$-carotene and vitamin C intakes were significantly lower in RA than controls (p < 0.001). Daily vitamin A, ${\beta}$-carotene and vitamin C intakes of RA were lower than those of control (vitamin A: RA $360.6{\pm}252.23{\mu}g$ RE, control $844.5{\pm}426.2{\mu}g$ RE, p < 0.001; ${\beta}$-carotene: RA $1450.9{\pm}1019.0{\mu}g$, control $3968.8{\pm}2248.21{\mu}g$, p < 0.001; vitamin C; RA $40.6{\pm}21.48mg$, control $84.7{\pm}40.29$, p < 0.001) These results suggest sufficient consumption of antioxidant nutrients may prevent and improve RA status.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.67-75
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• 2005

This study was performed to examine the change of lipid metabolism and immune function caused by antioxidant material in hypercholesterolemic elderly women (serum total cholesterol $\geq$200 mg/dI). The subjects were 51 elderly women aged over 60 yrs. They were divided into antioxidant nutrients complex group (n = 25) and spirulina group (n= 26). Antioxidant nutrients complex (1 capsule/day) and spirulina (7.5 mg/day) were used for intervention for 8weeks. All the subjects were fully informed the purpose of study and gave written consents to participate in this study. Dietary intakes, anthropometric indices and blood assessment for lipid, immune function and antioxidant status were measured before and after supplementation. Either antioxidant nutrients complex or spirulina supplementation for 8weeks resulted in improved antioxidant status evidence by increased TAS (total antioxidant status) and decreased TB-ARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance) . This intervention led to decreased serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, oxLDL, apolipoprotein B, IL-6 and IL-6 production by peripheral blood lymphocyte. In conclusion, the lipid profiles, immune function and antioxidant capacity were improved after either antioxidant nutrient complex or spirulina supplementation for hypercholesterolemic women. Therefore, improving antioxidant status using supplemen-tation could provide means of controlling cardiovascular disease in Korean elderly people.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.299-305
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• 2012

Yam has been recognized having the beneficial effects for the prevention of various diseases, such as cancer, immunity, infection and obesity etc. There is increasing consideration to supplement the antioxidant nutrients to make up the lack of the antioxidant nutrient intakes. No study has been reported for the analysis of antioxidant mineral contents and comparison to dietary recommended intake for the sense of health promotion. In our study, we analyzed the contents of antioxidant trace elements (Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu and Se) and Cr contents in cultivated Korean yam powders for evaluation of nutrient intake aspects. We collected the commercial yam powders from six different cultivated areas in the South Korea and measured antioxidant minerals (Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu and Se) and Cr contents using trace element-free plasma spectrometer (ICP) or atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) after dry-ashing and then wet-acid digestion. The accuracy of mineral analysis method was confirmed by the mineral analysis of standard reference material. Each analyzed element contents in yam were compared to dietary reference intakes of Koreans (KDRIs). The average levels of trace elements (Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, Se and Cr) in yam powders were 18.3, 11.9, 36.0, 3.7, 1.9 and 1.27 ${\mu}g/g$ yam powder, respectively. The intakes of Zn, Fe, Cu and Se of which KDRIs is determined, are accounted as being up to 23.8%, 55.6%, 32.5% and 236% recommended intake (RI) of KDRIs, if daily yam supplementation (50 g) of commercial instruction would be considered. The intake of Mn is about 25% adequate intake (AI) of KDRIs with the daily supplementation of yam powder. Most of mineral intakes from daily yam supplementation were with the range of non-detectable to <10% upper limit (UL) level, which is very much safe. The study results show that daily supplementation of Korean yam power is beneficial to provide the supplemental nutrient intake and also is safe, if the suggested dosage would be considered.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.106-112
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• 2003

To investigate the association between breast cancer risk and nutrient intake in Korean women, a case-control study was carried out. Incident cases (n=224) were identified through cancer biopsy between february 1999 and December 2000 at two university hospitals in Seoul. Hospital-based controls (n=250) were selected from patients in the same hospitals, during the same periods. food intake was investigated with semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (98 items) by a trained dietitian. Subjects were asked to indicate the average intake, for a 12-month period of three years prior to the baseline phase. In this study, no apparent association was found between fat intake level and breast cancer risk. High fiber intake showed a significant inverse association only among premenopausal women. In terms of antioxidant vitamins, $\beta$-carotene and vitamin C among premenopausal women and vitamin C intake among postmenopausal women was significantly associated with a decreasing risk of breast cancer. A protective effect of high calcium consumption was observed among postmenopausal women. In conclusion, our findings support epidemiological evidence that antioxidant vitamin intake could lower the breast cancer risk in Korea.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.637-648
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• 2011

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between the nutrient intakes, antioxidants, and inflammatory markers of overweight and obese adults (46 females and 16 males) in Yeongdong area. The study was conducted through questionnaires, anthropometric checkups, 2-day 24 hr recalls and blood biomarker analyses. Body fat was significantly higher in women compared to men. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were significantly higher in men compared to women. There were no significant differences in height, weight, body mass index, and waist size among the two groups. The intake of nutrients was significantly higher in men compared to women. Ferric reducing ability plasma (FRAP) was significantly higher in men compared to women. Body fat was positively associated with blood IL-6 and IL-8 levels. DBP was positively associated with FRAP. The intake of protein was negatively associated with IL-6 levels. The intake of carbohydrates was negatively associated with total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels were negatively associated with TAC. These results suggest that antioxidant and inflammatory markers may be related to the body fat percentage and dietary intake in overweight and obese adults.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.90-96
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• 2016

Snake tomato (Trichosanthes cucumerina) has been cultivated and used as a replacement for Lycopersicum esculentum in many Asian and African diets. Matured T. cucumerina fruits were harvested at different ripening stages and separated into coats and pulps for analyses to determine their suitability for use in culinary. They were analyzed for the nutritional composition and antioxidant potential using different biochemical assays [1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activities, and ferric reducing antioxidant power] and antioxidative enzymes activities. The nutritional composition revealed that T. cucumerina contains over 80% water and is very rich in fiber, thus it can serve as a good natural laxative. The lycopene and ${\beta}$-carotene contents were especially high in the ripe pulp with values of $21.62{\pm}1.22$ and $3.96{\pm}0.14mg$/100 g, respectively. The ascorbic acid content was highest in the pulp of unripe fruit with a value of $56.58{\pm}1.08mg$/100 g and significantly (P<0.05) decreased as ripening progressed. The antioxidant potential of the fruits for the 3 assays showed that unripe pulp> ripe coat> ripe pulp> unripe coat. There were decreases in the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) activities, with the exception of catalase, as ripening progressed in the fruits. These decreased activities may lead to the softening of the fruit during ripening. Harnessing the antioxidative potential of T. cucumerina in culinary through consumption of the coats and pulps will alleviate food insecurity and help maintain good health among many dwellers in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.