Plasma lipid and apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and B concentrations and habitual dietary intakes were determined in 306 free-living elderly individuals (119 men and 187 women, age range 60-100 y). Plasma lipid and apo A-I concentrations were significantly higher in women than in men. In older men, plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, and apo B concentrations were significantly lower than in younger men, whereas a significant trend towards lower LDL-cholesterol concentrations was observed in older women. Energy intake and percent macronutrient intake were not influenced by age. Higher carbohydrate intake was associated with lower HDL cholesterol and apo A-I concentrations, whereas higher total fat intake was associated with higher apo A-I concentrations. Higher vitamin A intake was associated with higher plasma concentrations of HDL cholesterol and apo A-I. Our data indicate that both dietary and plasma concentrations of vitamin A, body mass index, age, and sex are important determinants of plasma lipid concentrations in the elderly.