Changing to a Low-Polyphenol Diet Alters Vascular Biomarkers in Healthy Men after Only Two Weeks

Abstract

Bioactive dietary compounds play a critical role in health maintenance. The relation between bioactive compound intake and cardiovascular health-related biomarkers has been demonstrated in several studies, although mainly with participants who have altered biochemical parameters (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, etc.). The aim of this study was to evaluate if adopting a diet low in polyphenol-rich food for two weeks would affect vascular biomarkers in healthy men. In a crossover study, 22 healthy men were randomly assigned to their usual diet (UD), consuming healthy food rich in polyphenols, or to a low antioxidant diet (LAD), with less than two servings of fruit and vegetables per day and avoiding the intake of cocoa products, coffee and tea. As a marker of compliance, total polyphenols in urine were significantly lower after the LAD than after the UD (79 ± 43 vs. 123 ± 58 mg GAE/g creatinine). Nitric oxide levels were also reduced (52 ± 28 in LAD vs. 80 ± 34 µM in UD), although no significant changes in cellular adhesion molecules and eicosanoids were observed; however, an increasing ratio between thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) was reached (p = 0.048). Thus, a slight dietary modification, reducing the consumption of polyphenol-rich food, may affect vascular biomarkers even in healthy individuals.

Mediterranean Diet and its Benefits on Health and Mental Health: A Literature Review

“…We focused the report on 27 articles as shown in the PRIMA diagram [ 25 - 51 ]; 13 of these studies were carried out in Spain [ 26 - 28 , 33 , 35 , 38 , 41 , 44 - 46, 48, 49, 51 ], 3 studies were carried out in the USA [ 25 , 31 , 47 ], 3 studies were carried out in Italy [ 30 , 36 , 40 ], 4 studies were carried out in other European Union countries [ 32 , 34 , 39 , 50 ] and 4 studies were carried out in Australia [ 29 , 37 , 42 , 43 ].…”

“…The data were mainly derived from RCT studies with or without a parallel-group design. 2 studies had a crossover RCT design [ 28 , 29 ]. In most of the cases, there was an intervention group following MD and a control group with its usual diet.…”

“…The use of the mobile device for three months compared to standard diet and physical activity counseling did not add any further benefit in terms of reduction of CVRFs. Hurtado-Barroso et.al [ 28 ] reported on the reduction of vascular biomarkers after 2 weeks of polyphenol-rich diet among 22 healthy men. Subjects were randomly assigned to their usual diet versus a diet rich in polyphenols or low antioxidant diet.…”

Diet to Reduce the Metabolic Syndrome Associated with Menopause. The Logic for Olive Oil

“…The metabolic impact is rapid, as shown in a crossover study in which a reduction in foods containing polyphenols was already reflected in a change in biomarkers, such as the ratio of thromboxane A 2 and prostaglandin I 2 , in the urine at the first control at 2 weeks [ 39 ].…”

Preventive Effects of Quercetin against the Onset of Atherosclerosis-Related Acute Aortic Syndromes in Mice

“…Therefore, we consider that the most important and effective strategy against these atherosclerosis-related acute aortic syndromes is to establish preventive measures that can be effective before the onset of diseases. Several epidemiological studies have shown that a healthy flavonoid-rich diet could help prevent cardiovascular diseases [ 10 , 11 ].…”