Abstract
Measurement of α-tocopherol in plasma, red blood cells, platelets, mononuclear cells, polymorphonuclear cells, and buccal mucosal cells was made in the institutionalized 39 elderly subjects aged from 55 to 89 years. The levels were compared with those in 20 healthy young adult volunteers (22-38 years). The tocopherol level in platelets, mononuclear cells, polymorphonuclear cells, and buccal mucosal cells was lower in elderly subjects than in young adults, while no significant differences were observed in plasma- and RBC-tocopherol levels, and the plasma tocopherol/total lipid ratios between two groups. Daily dietary intakes of α-tocopherol, which was calculated from the dietary menues, were lower in the subjects in the institution, as compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowances in Japan (8 mg for males and 7 mg for females, as α-tocopherol equivalent) for adults.
