Tocopherol intake & status in the jackson heart study (JHS)

Both α and γ tocopherol (toc) have been shown to be associated with reduced risk of several chronic diseases. We conducted this study to assess dietary intake (using a region specific food frequency questionnaire (LFFQ), a shortened version (SFFQ) & four 24 hour recalls) & serum toc status among African Americans (154M, 245F; 34–84y) participating in the Diet and Physical Activity Sub‐Study of JHS. 41% met the RDA for α toc when supplements were considered vs. 2% with diet alone. Women had higher intakes of total α toc than men across assessment methods (Mean ± SE (mg/d) for average of recalls: 73±8.3 vs. 54±10.7 (6.5±0.19 vs. 6.0±0.24 from diet); LFFQ: 82±7.3 vs. 64±9.3 (7.2±0.13 vs. 7.0±0.17 from diet); SFFQ: 89±7.6 vs. 67±9.6 (7.2± 0.15 vs. 7.0± 0.19 from diet)). However, γ & δ toc intakes did not significantly differ by sex for the SFFQ or recalls (Mean ± SE (mg/d) of γ toc for recalls: 14.5±0.3; SFFQ: 14.4±0.3; of δ toc for recalls: 2.1±0.07; SFFQ: 2.8±0.09). On the LFFQ, women reported significantly higher intakes than men. Women also had higher serum toc than men (Mean ± SE (μmol/L) for α toc: 34.4±0.98 vs. 28.4±1.23; γ toc: 6.0±0.29 vs. 5.0±0.36; δ toc: 0.42±0.05 vs. 0.23±0.06). Main dietary sources of α toc were chips, oil & salad dressing & fish dishes; of γ toc, sources included oil & salad dressing, corn bread & baked desserts; and of δ toc margarine, oil & salad dressing & white bread products. Most study participants did not meet current α toc intake recommendations from diet and this may contribute to some of the health disparities seen in this population. Supp by ARS/USDA Project #6251‐53000‐004‐OOD & 1950‐51530‐007‐02