CONSUMPTION OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES DECREASED PLASMA HOMOCYSTEINE IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Abstract

The major consequences of menopause are related primarily to estrogen reduction and this could lead to the
accumulation of homocysteine in the vascular endothelium. Vitamins B , B , and folate are required for homocysteine metabolism and deficiency of these could lead to increased plasma homocysteine. It could be speculated that daily consumption of these vitamin nutrients may prevent early CVD events in part in postmenopausal women. This study was designed to examine the relationship of frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables on anthropometric indices, plasma homocysteine and estradiol in healthy postmenopausal women. One hundred and fifty healthy participants consisting of a hundred postmenopausal (60.2±10.5)years and fifty premenopausal women (44.3±6.2) years were recruited into this study. Anthropometric indices and percentage body fat measurements were determined using standard procedures. Plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) and estradiol were estimated by Enzyme-Linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).There was a significant
increase in plasma tHcy (p<0.000) and decrease in estradiol (p<0.000) compared to the control values. The anthropometric indices and %body fat measurement also showed significant changes (p<0.005). Notable significant variations in tHcy were obtained within the socioeconomic classes, the high-income group exhibited the lowest value (p<0.047). Graded decreases in tHcy were observed with the consumption of fruits and vegetables with the daily consumers showing the lowest tHcy level (p<0.034). Plasma tHcy was inversely correlation with estradiol (r= -0.433, p<0.000). The duration of menopause exerted significant changes in all the measured biochemical parameters. The changes in plasma tHcy and estradiol levels varied within the socioeconomic classes, frequency of fruits and vegetable consumption as well as the duration of menopause. The results provide evidence that daily consumption of fruits and vegetables could be beneficial in postmenopausal State