%A Sandra Sumalla Cano
%A Imanol Eguren García
%A Álvaro Lasarte García
%A Thomas Prola
%A Raquel Martínez Díaz
%A Iñaki Elío Pascual
%R doi:10.3390/nu16223859
%N 22
%K cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); carotenoids; systematic review; supplementation; inflammation; prevention
%V 16
%J Nutrients
%D 2024
%T Carotenoids Intake and Cardiovascular Prevention: A Systematic Review
%L uneatlantico15198
%X Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) encompass a variety of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Carotenoids, a group of fat-soluble organic pigments synthesized by plants, fungi, algae, and some bacteria, may have a beneficial effect in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This study aims to examine and synthesize current research on the relationship between carotenoids and CVDs. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies on the efficacy of carotenoid supplementation for CVD prevention. Interventional analytical studies (randomized and non-randomized clinical trials) published in English from January 2011 to February 2024 were included. Results: A total of 38 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. Of these, 17 epidemiological studies assessed the relationship between carotenoids and CVDs, 9 examined the effect of carotenoid supplementation, and 12 evaluated dietary interventions. Conclusions: Elevated serum carotenoid levels are associated with reduced CVD risk factors and inflammatory markers. Increasing the consumption of carotenoid-rich foods appears to be more effective than supplementation, though the specific effects of individual carotenoids on CVD risk remain uncertain.
%P 3859