Korean J Nutr.  2005 Jan;38(1):67-75.

The Change of Lipid Metabolism and Immune Function Caused by Antioxidant Material in the Hypercholesterolemic Elderly Women in Korea

• Kim WY
• Kim MH

Abstract

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 > or = 200 mg/dl). 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 8 weeks. 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 8 weeks resulted in improved antioxidant status evidence by increased TAS (total antioxidant status) and decreased TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance). This intervention led to decreased serum levels of total cholesterol, LDLcholesterol, 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 supplementation could provide means of controlling cardiovascular disease in Korean elderly people.

Keyword

antioxidant capacity; immune function; intervention study; spirulina; hypercholesterolemic elderly women

MeSH Terms

Aged*
Apolipoproteins
Cardiovascular Diseases
Cholesterol
Clinical Trial
Female
Humans
Interleukin-6
Korea*
Lipid Metabolism*
Lymphocytes
Spirulina
Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances
Apolipoproteins
Cholesterol
Interleukin-6
Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances