J Korean Acad Adult Nurs.  2009 Jun;21(3):355-366.

Comparison of Antioxidant Level of the Elderly Living in Institutions: Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian Diet

• Shin SR
• Won KH
• Yun ME

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to compare the antioxidant level, serum cholesterol and skin beta-carotene, of female elderly who had been living more then 10 months in institutions which offered either vegetarian or nonvegetarian diet.
METHODS
Total of 110 female elderly, 56 from institution serving vegetarian diet and 54 from nonvegetarian diet, were recruited from institutions located in S and N city in Korea. beta-carotene level was measured on their palm using Pharmanex Biophotonic Scanner and annual health evaluation data was utilized for the analysis of serum cholesterol.
RESULTS
The subjects on a vegetarian diet had a significantly higher level of phosphorus, carotene, and folic acid. The elderly who were living in an institution offering a vegetarian diet had a lower level of serum cholesterol and higher level of skin beta-carotene, compared to those living in an institution offering a non-vegetarian diet.
CONCLUSION
This study reveals that a vegetarian diet is beneficial in increasing skin beta-carotene level, decreasing serum total cholesterol level. The skin beta-carotene measurement appear valuable as a bio-marker of antioxidant intake. Further study on antioxidant food and effective serving strategy for elderly are recommended.

Keyword

Vegetarian diet; Cholesterol; Carotene; Antioxidant; Aged

MeSH Terms

Aged
beta Carotene
Carotenoids
Cholesterol
Diet
Diet, Vegetarian
Female
Folic Acid
Humans
Korea
Phosphorus
Skin
Carotenoids
Cholesterol
Folic Acid
Phosphorus
beta Carotene