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Nutrition and the endothelium
Esther Lopez-Garcia1, Frank B Hu
1Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health and Channing Laboratory, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA. elopezga@hsph.harvard.edu
Current Diabetes Reports
|July 22, 2004
Summary
Dietary habits significantly impact endothelial function. A prudent diet rich in fruits and vegetables benefits the endothelium, while a Western diet high in processed foods impairs it, influencing cardiovascular disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Nutritional Science
- Endothelial Function
Background:
- Dietary factors are increasingly recognized for their role in modulating endothelial function.
- Specific fatty acids and dietary glycemic load are linked to endothelial dysfunction markers.
- Emerging research explores overall dietary patterns' impact on endothelial health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between dietary patterns and endothelial dysfunction.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which diet influences cardiovascular disease risk via endothelial function.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of epidemiologic and clinical studies.
- Examination of intervention studies on dietary patterns and endothelial dysfunction.
- Review of biomarkers for endothelial dysfunction, including inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules.
Main Results:
- Alpha-linolenic acid and long-chain n-3 fatty acids intake correlate with lower levels of endothelial dysfunction markers.
- Trans fatty acid intake and high dietary glycemic load are associated with increased endothelial dysfunction markers.
- A 'prudent diet' (fruits, vegetables, fish) shows beneficial effects on the endothelium.
- A 'Western diet' (red meat, processed foods, refined grains) is linked to impaired endothelial function.
Conclusions:
- Dietary patterns significantly influence endothelial function.
- Prudent dietary choices may protect against endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.
- Western dietary patterns are associated with increased risk of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.