Association between the dietary antioxidant index and relative telomere length of leucocytes in the Chinese population

Dietary antioxidant indices (DAI) may be potentially associated with relative telomere length (RTL) of leucocytes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between DAI and RTL. A cross-sectional study involving 1656 participants was conducted. A generalised linear regression model and a restricted cubic spline model were used to assess the correlation of DAI and its components with RTL. Generalised linear regression analysis revealed that DAI (beta = 0 center dot 005, P = 0 center dot 002) and the intake of its constituents vitamin C (beta = 0 center dot 043, P = 0 center dot 027), vitamin E (beta = 0 center dot 088, P < 0 center dot 001), Se (beta = 0 center dot 075, P = 0 center dot 003), and Zn (beta = 0 center dot 075, P = 0 center dot 023) were significantly and positively correlated with RTL. Sex-stratified analysis showed that DAI (beta = 0 center dot 006, P = 0 center dot 005) and its constituents vitamin E (beta = 0 center dot 083, P = 0 center dot 012), Se (beta = 0 center dot 093, P = 0 center dot 006), and Zn (beta = 0 center dot 092, P = 0 center dot 034) were significantly and positively correlated with RTL among females. Meanwhile, among males, only vitamin E intake (beta = 0 center dot 089, P = 0 center dot 013) was significantly and positively associated with RTL. Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed linear positive associations between DAI and its constituents' (vitamin E, Se and Zn) intake and RTL in the total population. Sex-stratified analysis revealed a linear positive correlation between DAI and its constituents' (vitamin E, Se and Zn) intake and RTL in females. Our study found a significant positive correlation between DAI and RTL, with sex differences.