Beta-Carotene Plays a Role in Promoting a Normal Healthy Inflammatory Response and Cardiovascular Health

A recently published study indicates that low levels of beta-carotene are related to imbalanced inflammatory markers in subjects with suboptimal heart health. Beta-carotene is a carotenoid found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables with significant antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activity. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body.

The subjects included 91 individuals with suboptimal cardiovascular health and 49 healthy individuals to serve as the control group. The subjects were evaluated for plasma beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde, free radicals, the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP), the pro-inflammatory mediator interleukin-6 and cholesterol levels.

The study showed that in the individuals with suboptimal blood flow to the heart, plasma beta-carotene and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was imbalanced compared to the control group. The markers for inflammatory responses and oxidative stress were also imbalanced in the group with suboptimal heart health. Beta-carotene levels were inversely correlated to the inflammatory mediator interleukin-6, meaning that as plasma beta-carotene levels increased, the levels of interleukin-6 became more balanced.

The researchers stated that the inverse relationship between beta-carotene and interleukin-6 suggests a supportive effect of beta-carotene on cardiovascular health by balancing inflammatory responses.

Reference:

Muzakova V, Kand Ar R, Meloun M, Skalicky J, Kralovec K, Zakova P, Vojtisek P. Inverse correlation between plasma Beta-carotene and interleukin-6 in patients with advanced coronary artery disease. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2010 Dec;80(6):369-77.