Relation between antioxidants intake and coronary risk in the ELSA-Brasil baseline

Molina, Maria del Carmen

INTRODUCTION: There is evidence about the effect of antioxidants on oxidative stress and on the reduction of coronary risk (CR). Socioeconomic conditions can influence most health relations. We aimed identify the association between antioxidant intake and CR.

METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study and the sample is part of ELSA-Brasil baseline population. 14.353 participants of ELSA-Brasil cohort aged 35-74 years. The antioxidants (vitamins A, E and C, zinc and selenium) intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire. The hard coronary heart disease risk was calculated using data from interview and exams: age, gender, systolic blood pressure, tobacco habits, HDL antihypertensive therapy and total cholesterol. The CHD risk categories were: low, medium and high. Antioxidants intake was adjust for energy and categorized in quintiles.

RESULTS: 4.1% showed a medium risk and 9.8% a high risk. Participants that showed highest antioxidant intake was female, in the higher income group, education level and age. Positive and statistically significant associations were observed between antioxidants intake and coronary risk. Individuals with intermediate CR showed the lowest antioxidant intake. Education was positively associated with consumption of antioxidants (p<0.001) and coronary risk (p<0.001). After adjustment for BMI and education, low antioxidant intake remained associated with the RC intermediate (OR = 1.87 CI₉₅_%1.58 to 2.21).

CONCLUSIONS: The low consumption of antioxidants increased the chance of have medium CR. Positive relation between CR and antioxidant intake can be associated with diet habits change after diagnosis of hypertension and diabetes.