22nd Annual Student Research Conference
The Determination of the Effect on Plasma Retinol and β -Carotene Levels by Various Explanatory Variables: A Statistical Approach
Chelle King Porter*, Molly Smith, Yu-yu Ren, Brett L. Wiley, and Dan W. Serber
Dr. Hyun-Joo Kim, Faculty Mentor
Carotenoids are red and yellow fat-soluble pigments found in the chloroplasts of many types of fruits and vegetables. Observational studies have suggested that low dietary intake or low plasma concentrations of retinol, β-carotene, or other carotenoids might be associated with increased risk of developing certain types of cancer. Because of the possible link to cancer, attention has been focused on factors influencing carotenoid concentrations in human plasma; however, few studies have investigated the determinants of plasma concentrations. We used statistical analysis to determine the most likely contributors to plasma levels of retinol and β-carotene, using data collected in a study by Stukel, et al. We determined that age, sex, smoking status, and fat intake have the most significant effect on retinol levels, while smoking status, BMI, vitamin use, calorie intake, and fiber intake have the most significant effect on β-carotene levels.
Keywords: carotenoids, retinol , cancer
Topic(s):Interdisciplinary
Biology
Statistics
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 14-3
Location: PML
Time: 4:15