Carotenoids Support Cardiovascular Health

by CP Staff

In a recent study, researchers investigated the potential cardio-protective effects of the carotenoids lycopene and beta-carotene. Carotenoids are brightly colored pigments found in plants that have potent free-radical-scavenging properties.

This new study evaluated plasma levels of carotenoids and carotid artery thickness, which is a measurement of plaque deposition in the arteries. Physical exams and ultrasound evaluation of the carotid arteries were performed on 165 subjects. The subjects were also assessed for plasma concentrations of lycopene and beta-carotene.

The results of the study showed that 80 of the 165 subjects had evidence of increased carotid artery thickness based on ultrasound evaluation. Increased carotid artery thickness was associated with increased body mass index; increased serum lipids including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides; and increased plasma concentrations of fibrinogen, a protein involved in blood clotting. Plasma uric acid and the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) also were increased in the subjects with increased carotid artery thickness. In addition, the study found that increased carotid artery thickness was associated with significantly lower plasma concentrations of lycopene and beta-carotene.

The study authors concluded that the carotenoids lycopene and beta-carotene may play a role in the early development of asymptomatic arterial plaque deposition. The researchers stated, “Encouraging adequate intakes of antioxidant carotenoids may provide an important public health service.”

Reference:

Riccioni G, D’ Orazio N, Speranza L, Di Ilio E, Glade M, Bucciarelli V, Scotti L, Martini F, Pennelli A, Bucciarelli T. Carotenoids and asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2010 Oct-Dec;24(4):447-52.