Effects of antioxidant vitamins on sICAM‐1 and sVCAM‐1 in Korean postmenopausal women

Cardiovascular risk increased with loss of the vaso‐protective effects of estrogen, increased body mass index (BMI), and insufficient antioxidant vitamins intake in postmenopausal women. The purpose of this study was to examine the antioxidant nutrients intake and adhesion molecules in Korean postmenopausal women. We recruited postmenopausal women who were free of diagnosed cardiovascular disease. These subjects were clinically examined by a medical doctor to confirm the gynecologic problems and the level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)¡Ã40 mIU/ml. The subjects were classified into the normal weight (BMI<23 kg/m2) and above over weight (BMI¡Ã23 kg/m2) groups. Antioxidant vitamins intake was analyzed through 3‐day records. The consumption of antioxidant vitamins (A, C and E) was not different between the groups. In both of groups, vitamin C consumption was lower than Korean DRIs. The fasting blood glucose levels, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) as well as sICAM‐1 and aVCAM‐1 levels were not different between the groups. In the women with BMI¡Ã23 kg/m2, vitamin C consumption was negatively correlated with the levels of sVCAM‐1 (p<.05, r=−0.433).