Beta Carotene Important for Cardiovascular Health

Beta carotene and retinol (vitamin A) may play a role in cardiovascular health, researchers recently reported. Beta carotene is a pigmented carotenoid found in fruits and vegetables high in antioxidant activity and is a precursor to vitamin A in the body.

In this new study, researchers investigated the association between serum levels of beta carotene and retinol and cardiovascular health. The subjects included 189 morbidly overweight individuals who were evaluated for serum insulin and blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, blood lipid levels, blood pressure and anthropometric measurements such as height, weight and waist circumference. Serum levels of beta carotene and retinol were also measured.

The results of the study found that 49 percent of the subjects had at least 3 metabolic risk factors, such as increased blood sugar, elevated blood pressure, increased triglycerides, decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and abdominal fat. The study showed that in these individuals, serum beta-carotene levels decreased as body mass index (BMI) increased. Also in the subjects with at least 3 metabolic risk factors, serum retinol inadequacy was found in 61.3 percent, and beta-carotene inadequacy was present in 42.8 percent of the subjects.

The researchers concluded that, considering the vitamin A contribution to antioxidant protection, especially in those individuals with metabolic risk factors and those who are morbidly overweight, vitamin A could support heart health.

Reference:

Villaça Chaves G, Gonçalves de Souza G, Cardoso de Matos A, Abrantes Peres DW, Pereira SE, Saboya CJ, D Almeida CA, Ramalho DA. Serum Retinol and β-carotene Levels and Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Morbid Obesity. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2010 May;80(3):159-67.