| Objectives: Although strong evidence supports the antioxidant potential of flavonoids in vitro, the
effect of flavonoids at physiological concentrations on the overall antioxidant status in humans is
inconsistent. The aim of this study was to examine cross-sectional associations between total
flavonoid consumption, serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels
in apparently healthy women.
Methods: Through a multistage clustersampling,170womenages 20 to 48 y were recruited. The usual
dietary flavonoid intakewas estimated using a semiquantitive food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) by
matching food items with the US Department of Agriculture flavonoid databases. General linear
models were used to compare the biochemical parameters across tertiles of flavonoid intakes.
Results: As dietary anthocyanin intake rose from the lowest to the highest tertile, the multivariateadjusted
mean TAC concentrations significantly increased from 1.08 to 1.28 (Ptrend ¼ 0.01). This
association was still significant after adjustment for fruit and vegetable intake and antioxidant
vitamins (Ptrend ¼ 0.03). The highest tertile of total flavonoid intake and theaflavins had higher
mean concentrations of TAC than did the lowest tertile, but there was no linear trend (P < 0.05).
There were statistically significant positive relationships between dietary intake of grapes and
eggplant as main food sources of anthocyanins and serum TAC (P ¼ 0.02 and 0.04, respectively). No
significant associations were found between MDA and flavonoids intakes (P > 0.05).
Conclusions: The findings of the present study support the attribution of anthocyanins to overall
antioxidant status. However, further research is needed to confirm these observed associations. |