Blood antioxidant nutrients in riparian villagers of the Brazilian Amazon: its associations with wet/dry seasons and modulation by sociodemographic determinants

Abstract

This study associates blood antioxidants like copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), β-carotene, lycopene and vitamins (A and E) to sociodemographic features and seasonality in communities from the Tapajós River region, Brazilian Amazon. We observed increased Mn, Se and Zn levels compared to the average Brazilian population, whereas this is only the case for β-carotene in the rainy season. Lycopene levels fall within the reference range, although lower than those found in other Brazilian regions. Cu, Se, Zn, β-carotene, lycopene and vitamin E levels vary among seasons. β-carotene, Mn and Se vary among communities. Se and Zn vary with smoking habits and sex, respectively. In addition, β-carotene and vitamins (A and E) are altered by alcohol consumption. Villagers who both farmed and fished present higher Cu and lower β-carotene levels than participants with a single occupation. Vitamin E levels depend upon the individual state of origin. These data provide important baseline information for antioxidant status in this Amazonian riparian population.

In the Heart of the Amazon: Noncommunicable Diseases and Apolipoprotein E4 Genotype in the Riverine Population

“…This study included 763 participants ( Table 1 ), it was similar in size or larger than published studies that have looked at the characteristics of the Amazonian riverine population [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ].…”

“…The difference in the number of women and men who participated in our study was expected, since this imbalance is common in epidemiological studies of Amazonian populations [ 35 , 36 ]. Women in these communities seem to be more careful with their healthcare than men, leading to this imbalance [ 37 ].…”

Genetic Susceptibility to Neurodegeneration in Amazon: Apolipoprotein E Genotyping in Vulnerable Populations Exposed to Mercury

“…Presently, Amazonian riverine populations has a particular life style with the river as a central element ( Figure 1 ): water for cooking is obtained from the river or hand-dug wells, fish is the main protein of the diet (usually included in many meals per week) and trash is sometimes dumped into the river ( Piperata, 2007 ). A different number of women and men participated in our study ( Table 1 ), which is usually found in epidemiological studies with Amazonian population ( Krewer et al, 2011 ; Valentini et al, 2016 ). The hypothesis raised to explain this difference is that, in these communities, women may be more careful with health than men may ( Gomes et al, 2007 ).…”

Human papillomavirus infection and cervical cancer precursor lesions in women living by Amazon rivers: investigation of relations with markers of oxidative stress

“…According to Valentini et al, 17 blood concentrations of essential metals, carotenoids, vitamin E and some other nutrients fluctuate over the course of a year due to eating frequency and food availability, with potential impacts on oxidative stress. Community location, sex, smoking and eating habits may also interfere with micronutrient levels in the human body.…”

“… 24 , 25 Fish is a major dietary component among people living in this Amazon region, and may contain minerals with antioxidative potential, such as selenium. 17 Selenium may mitigate toxic metal (and mercury) toxicity via oxidative and antioxidative mechanisms, thereby contributing to cell defense against free radicals. 26 …”