Association of Plasma Carotenoid and Malondialdehyde Levels with Physical Performance in Korean Adolescents

Abstract

Background Increased oxidative stress has been shown to lead to muscle damage and reduced physical performance. The antioxidant mechanism is most likely to reduce these relationships, but in the context of the action of carotenoids, more research is needed. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate whether carotenoids modify the association between plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and physical performance in Korean adolescents. Methods The study sample consisted of 381 participants (164 boys, 217 girls) aged 13−18, who participated in the 2018 National Fitness Award Project. We quantified α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and MDA levels in plasma using HPLC with photodiode array detection. Physical performance was measured by determining the absolute and relative hand grip strength, 20-m progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run, estimated maximal oxygen consumption, curl-up, and sit-and-reach. Results In boys, the multiple linear regression model adjusted for age, BMI, smoking, drinking, and physical activity showed that the MDA level was negatively associated with absolute hand grip strength; this association was observed only in groups with α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and total carotenoid values below the median. Conclusion These results suggest that carotenoids may act as an effect modifier of the association between MDA and physical performance in Korean male adolescents.