Cardiovascular effects of extra virgin olive oil in healthy reproductive-aged women: a randomized controlled trial

Pregnant patients with cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors are at increased risk of hypertension in pregnancy. Adherence to Mediterranean-based diets high in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is associated with decreased risk. We performed a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of EVOO supplementation in reproductive-aged women to investigate its effects on cardiovascular function and markers of metabolic dysfunction and inflammation.

Healthy nulliparous women were randomized to 40 g/day of EVOO high in oleic acid and phenols or an identical dose of sunflower seed oil for 8 weeks. Cardiovascular assessment, lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity and serum cytokines were assessed at baseline and post intervention.

Blood pressure, vessel distensibility, metabolic assessment, serum cytokine levels.

Twelve women in the EVOO group and 15 in the control group completed the trial. Compliance was >97 % in both groups. EVOO supplementation reduced fasting insulin (-0.31 ± 0.52 U/mL, p = 0.03), but increased LDL cholesterol (+5.1 ± 4.0 mg/dL, p = 0.047). No differences in blood pressure were observed, though EVOO was associated with a lower blood pressure response to volume challenge and a trend toward lower hemoglobin A1c (p = 0.06). IL-10 decreased in EVOO but increased in controls, -0.05 ± 0.03 vs +0.07 ± 0.03, p = 0.01). Unique to the EVOO group, a reduction in the chemokine MCP-1 positively correlated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure (r = 0.59, p = 0.042) and MAP (r = 0.59, p = 0.042).

EVOO supplementation in women of reproductive age may have beneficial metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects.