Overthreshold values of essential antioxidative vitamins means a reduced risk of free-radical diseases. The levels of vitamins C, E, A and b-carotene were estimated in Romany ethnic group of southern Slovakia (n = 119) and compared with those values in majority population group in this region (n = 146). Values of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C/vitamin E and vitamin E/cholesterol are similar in both investigated groups; frequency of antioxidative effect values is also equal or nonsignificantly changed - 22% in Romanies vs. 16% in majority group for vitamin C, 4% for vitamin E, 17% for vitamin A, 56% vs. 53% for vitamin C/vitamin E and 40% vs. 37% for vitamin E/cholesterol. In Romany group, b-carotene level is significantly reduced with only 8% overthresholed values vs. 25%in control group. The minority group consumes lower amount of vegetables (daily or 1 - 2 time weekly 46% of Romanies vs. 60% of majority group; no consumption 40% of Gypsies vs. 20% of control group). The value of vitamin E/cholesterol + triacylglycerols is significantly lower in Romanies; vitamin E per 1 mmol of lipids is 1,5 time higher in majority group. The results shown a higher risk of free - radical diseases is Romany population.

        Key words: vitamin C - vitamin E - b-carotene - Romany population - majority population