LONDON—Consuming antioxidants is another way to protect the heart, especially for those who suffer from cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers found subject with multiple heart disease risk factors who supplemented with the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and selenium experienced significant increases in large and small artery elasticity in patients (Nutr Metab (Lond). 2010 Jul 6;7(1):55).
The researchers observed other beneficial effects, including an improvement in glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism, as well as decrease in blood pressure.
Previous studies have found antioxidant supplements have the potential to reduce the thickness of artery walls caused by a build-up of fatty materials such as cholesterol and excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Researchers of this present study evaluated the effects of prolonged antioxidant treatment on arterial elasticity, inflammatory and metabolic measures in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors.
In randomized, placebo-controlled study, 70 patients were randomly assigned to receive daily oral supplementation with vitamin C (1,000 mg/day), vitamin E (400 IU/day), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10; 120 mg/day) and selenium (200 mcg/day) or placebo for six months. Patients were evaluated for lipid profile, HbA1C, insulin, C-peptide, hs-CRP, endothelin, aldosterone, plasma renin activity and Homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Arterial elasticity was evaluated using pulse wave contour analysis (HDI CR 2000, Eagan, MN).
Antioxidant-treated patients exhibited significant increases in large arterial elasticity index (LAEI) as well as small arterial elasticity index (SAEI). A significant decline HbA1C and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were also observed. In the placebo group, significant changes in LAEI, SAEI or metabolic measures were not observed.