Abstract
The aim of the present systematic review was to synthesize data from randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of olive oil on markers of inflammation or endothelial function. Literature search in electronic databases Cochrane Trial Register, EMBASE, and MEDLINE was performed. Thirty studies enrolling 3106 participants fulfilled the selection criteria. Pooled effects of different interventions were assessed as mean difference using a random effects model. Olive oil interventions (with daily consumption ranging approximately between 1 mg and 50 mg) resulted in a significantly more pronounced decrease in C-reactive protein (mean difference: −0.64 mg/L, (95% confidence interval (CI) −0.96 to −0.31), p < 0.0001, n = 15 trials) and interleukin-6 (mean difference: −0.29 (95% CI −0.7 to −0.02), p < 0.04, n = 7 trials) as compared to controls, respectively. Values of flow-mediated dilatation (given as absolute percentage) were significantly more increased in individuals subjected to olive oil interventions (mean difference: 0.76% (95% CI 0.27 to 1.24), p < 0.002, n = 8 trials). These results provide evidence that olive oil might exert beneficial effects on endothelial function as well as markers of inflammation and endothelial function, thus representing a key ingredient contributing to the cardiovascular-protective effects of a Mediterranean diet. However, due to the heterogeneous study designs (e.g., olive oil given as a supplement or as part of dietary pattern, variations in control diets), a conservative interpretation of the results is necessary.
Highlights
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent the main cause of disability and death in industrialized countries
The lower incidence rates of CVD observed in Southern Europe might at least in part be explained by health-promoting dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet (MedD) rich in extra virgin olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes, but low in red meat and dairy products [2]
In a recent systematic review of randomized controlled studies (RCT) we showed that adherence to a MedD
Summary
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent the main cause of disability and death in industrialized countries. The lower incidence rates of CVD observed in Southern Europe might at least in part be explained by health-promoting dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet (MedD) rich in extra virgin olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes, but low in red meat and dairy products [2]. On parameters involved in the development of CVD, it was the aim of the present systematic review to synthesize data of randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of olive oil interventions (administered either in the form of capsules, supplemented to the habitual diet, or supplemented to a specific dietary pattern such as MedD) on markers of inflammation as well as endothelial function
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