The purpose of this study was to determine the relation between serum and dietary antioxidants, and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in middle-aged and older individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease. We used data from adults aged > or = 40 at increased risk for cardiovascular disease selected from the NHANES III database. The relation between serum and dietary antioxidants, and CRP concentrations was examined using multiple logistic regression analysis. Serum antioxidants and CVD risk factors were significant predictors of detectable CRP concentrations (R2 = 0.07; p < 0.001). Dietary antioxidants (except vitamin C) were not significant predictors of detectable CRP concentrations.