A high level of carotenes within the blood is linked with a lower degree of atherosclerosis within the arteries and thus a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. These are the conclusions of a latest study by a team of researchers from IDIBAPS and the UOC, published as open access in Clinical Nutrition.

The work was headed by Gemma Chiva Blanch, of the IDIBAPS Translational research in diabetes, lipids and obesity group, led by Josep Vidal. Chiva Blanch also forms a part of the CIBEROBN research centre and is an associate professor and researcher on the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC).

Atherosclerosis and cardiac risk

Atherosclerosis is the build-up of fat, generally the LDL or “bad” sort of cholesterol, on the inner partitions of the blood vessels. This build-up, in the shape of atherosclerotic plaques, causes a narrowing of the vessel’s internal diameter, thereby hindering the blood’s circulation.

Moreover, these plaques can rupture and form clots that obstruct the blood flow, which may result in myocardial infarctions (heart attacks), when the blood doesn’t reach the center, or ischaemic strokes, when it doesn’t reach the brain.

The role of carotenes

It’s no secret that eating regimen plays a key role in cardiovascular diseases. Carotenes are bioactive compounds present in yellow, orange and green fruit and veggies, comparable to carrots, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cantaloupes, bell peppers, mangoes, papayas, apricots, loquats and pumpkins. Carotenes are potentially able to checking atherosclerosis.

Nonetheless, the studies carried out thus far haven’t been conclusive and it even appears that, when administered as a complement, they’ve a prejudicial effect.”

Gemma Chiva Blanch, IDIBAPS Translational research in diabetes, lipids and obesity group

The article checked out 200 people aged between 50 and 70 forming a part of the DIABIMCAP cohort and recruited by the IDIBAPS Primary healthcare transversal research group, led by Antoni Sisó Almirall. The volunteers participating within the study were analysed with regard to 2 parameters: the concentration of carotenes within the blood and, by the use of ultrasound imaging, the presence of atherosclerotic plaques within the carotid artery.

“The study concludes that the greater the concentration of carotenes within the blood, the lesser the atherosclerotic burden, particularly in women. […] So, we are able to confirm that a eating regimen wealthy in fruit and vegetables and thus in carotenes lowers the danger of affected by cardiovascular diseases,” said Chiva Blanch.

Source:

Universitat Oberta de Catalunya

Journal reference:

Bujosa, F., et al. (2023) Total carotene plasma concentrations are inversely related to atherosclerotic plaque burden: A post-hoc evaluation of the DIABIMCAP cohort. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2023.05.005.