Capsaicin Supplementation Improved Risk Factors of Coronary Heart Disease in Individuals with Low HDL-C Levels.

Yu Qin,Man-Tian Mi,Jing Wang,Li Yu,He-Dong Lang,Li Ran,Xiao-Lan Wang,Jun-Dong Zhu

doi:10.3390/nu9091037

Abstract

Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of capsaicin intervention on the serum lipid profile in adults with low HDL-C. In a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial, 42 eligible subjects were randomly assigned to the capsaicin (n = 21, 4 mg of capsaicin daily) or to the control group (n = 21, 0.05 mg of capsaicin daily) and consumed two capsaicin or control capsules, which contained the powder of the skin of different peppers, twice daily for three months. Thirty-five subjects completed the trial (18 in the capsaicin group and 17 in the control group). The baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Compared with the control group, fasting serum HDL-C levels significantly increased to 1.00 ± 0.13 mmol/L from 0.92 ± 0.13 mmol/L in the capsaicin group (p = 0.030), while levels of triglycerides and C-reactive protein and phospholipid transfer protein activity moderately decreased (all p < 0.05). Other lipids, apolipoproteins, glucose, and other parameters did not significantly change. In conclusion, capsaicin improved risk factors of CHD in individuals with low HDL-C and may contribute to the prevention and treatment of CHD.

Highlights

In the last few decades, many epidemiological studies indicated that serum low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) with or without other lipid disorders was associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease [1]
The diagnostic criterion of low serum HDL-C level was set as a fasting serum HDL-C lower than 1.03 mmol/L for men or 1.30 mmol/L for women, according to the sex-specific values recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) guidelines
The exclusion criteria included the use of any medicine or dietary supplementation that could influence glucose and lipid metabolism in the last six months, severe chronic disease, liver or kidney dysfunctions or malignant tumors, any acute or chronic infectious disease, injury, or any surgical procedure

Summary

Introduction

In the last few decades, many epidemiological studies indicated that serum low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) with or without other lipid disorders was associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease [1]. A previous meta-analysis found that the prevalence of overall low HDL-C (HDL

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Methods

Conclusion