Summary
Oxidative stress is an imbalance between antioxidants and free oxygen species, which is associated with systemic inflammation and cell damage. Antioxidants are believed to affect inflammatory pathways and may have benefits in the treatment of allergic diseases.
Background. Carotenoids are natural pigments known for their potent antioxidant properties. Thus they are objects of interest in a variety of human diseases whose etiopathology involves oxidative damage. However, little is known about the levels of these compounds in the Lithuanian population.
Objectives. The aim ofthe study was to assess the mean concentration of serum carotenoids and evaluate the effect of lifestyle and demographic factors on variability of carotenoid status in ethnic Lithuanians.
