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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
09:35
Measurement of Carotenoids in Perifovea using the Macular Pigment Reflectometer
Published on: January 29, 2020
Carotenoids and cardiovascular disease.
1Cardiology Unit, San Camillo de Lellis Hospital, Manfredonia (FG), Italy. griccioni@hotmail.com
Current Atherosclerosis Reports
|October 27, 2009
Summary
Carotenoids, like lycopene and astaxanthin, show potential for treating cardiovascular diseases due to their antioxidant properties. Further rigorous trials are needed to confirm benefits, especially in high-oxidative stress populations.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Antioxidant Research
Background:
- Carotenoids are plant-derived, fat-soluble pigments with antioxidant properties.
- Dietary carotenoids like beta-carotene, lycopene, and astaxanthin are abundant.
- Antioxidants show mixed results in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies on carotenoids for cardiovascular disease treatment.
- To focus on the roles of lycopene and astaxanthin in CVD.
Main Methods:
- Review of published epidemiological and interventional studies.
- Analysis of carotenoid efficacy in cardiovascular health.
- Examination of findings in specific populations, including those with oxidative stress.
Main Results:
- Epidemiological studies suggest antioxidant benefits for CVD.
- Interventional trials yield mixed results, with some showing harm.
- Recent studies in high-oxidative stress groups show positive outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Carotenoids, particularly lycopene and astaxanthin, warrant further investigation for CVD.
- Rigorous, hypothesis-driven clinical trials are essential.
- Targeted application in specific populations may yield better results.
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