A high amount of carotenes in the blood has been associated with less artery atherosclerosis and consequently a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.

These are the findings of a recent study published as open access in Clinical Nutrition by a group of researchers from IDIBAPS and the UOC.

The work was headed by Gemma Chiva Blanch, of the IDIBAPS Translational Research in Diabetes, lipids and Obesity group, led by Josep Vidal.

Chiva Blanch also forms part of the CIBEROBN research centre and is an associate professor and researcher at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC). Atherosclerosis and cardiac risk

Atherosclerosis is the build-up of fat, generally the LDL or "bad" type of cholesterol, on the inner walls of the blood vessels. This build-up, in the form of atherosclerotic plaques, causes a narrowing of the vessel's internal diameter, thereby hindering the blood's circulation.

Furthermore, these plaques can rupture and form clots that obstruct the blood flow, which can lead to myocardial infarctions (heart attacks), when the blood doesn't reach the heart, or ischaemic strokes when it doesn't reach the brain.

The role of carotenes

It's no secret that diet plays a key role in cardiovascular diseases. Carotenes are bioactive compounds found in yellow, orange and green fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cantaloupes, bell peppers, mangoes, papayas, apricots, loquats and pumpkins.

Carotenes are potentially capable of checking atherosclerosis. "However, the studies carried out to date have not been conclusive and it even appears that, when administered as a supplement, they have a prejudicial effect," explained Chiva Blanch.

The article looked at 200 people aged between 50 and 70 forming part of the DIABIMCAP cohort and recruited by the IDIBAPS Primary Healthcare transversal research group, led by Antoni Siso Almirall.

The volunteers taking part in the study were analysed with regard to two parameters: the concentration of carotenes in the blood and, by means of ultrasound imaging, the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid artery.

"The study concludes that the greater the concentration of carotenes in the blood, the lesser the atherosclerotic burden, particularly in women. So, we can confirm that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables and thus in carotenes lowers the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases," said Chiva Blanch.