Abstract
Tomato consumption has been recently associated with a reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to test whether a seven-day period of tomato paste purèe (tomato paste, TP) supplementation could improve some haemodynamic parameters in healthy volunteers before and after a standardized fat meal (FM). Methods and results: Nineteen healthy male volunteers participated in a randomized, single-blind (operator) crossover study. Participants maintained low fiber diets (LFD) during the study periods. They were randomized either to a LFD and TP arm (80 g of TP/day) for seven-days, or to a control arm (LFD-only) with a two-week washout period. Flow Mediated Dilatation and other morpho-functional vascular indices were measured by ultrasound. Stiffness Index and Reflection Index were estimated by digital photo-plethysmography. All these parameters were measured one h before and two and 3.5 h after the FM. The difference in Stiffness Index was increased in the LFD and TP + FM-arm, as compared to the LFD-only + FM arm at both two and 3.5 h points. After the FM, in both arms, at two h, we observed a reduction in the Reflection Index and an increase in heart rate. Interestingly, only in the LFD and TP + FM-arm, some haemodynamic changes were detectable at two h; notably, there was an increase in brachial artery diameter and a reduction in diastolic blood pressure (BP). Conclusions: TP has no effect on Flow Mediated Dilatation but acutely modifies some haemodynamic parameters triggered by FM, suggesting possible haemodynamic beneficial effects in people consuming tomatoes.
Highlights
Tomato is between the main components of the Mediterranean diet and its consumption has been associated with a reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) [1]
We have recently shown that lycopene can influence the migration of endothelial cells, induced by increasing nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability as stimulated by vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) [11], suggest that a pivotal role of NO in this process
The aim of our study was to assess whether one week of supplementation of tomato paste (TP) can ameliorate vascular function, before or after a fat meal (FM), in a sample of male human volunteers randomized in a crossover dietary intervention study
Summary
Tomato is between the main components of the Mediterranean diet and its consumption has been associated with a reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) [1]. Many tomato products, contain potassium, folate, vitamin A, C, E, and other abundant pigmented phytochemicals such as carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids. Both vitamins and carotenoids (α-, β-carotene, lutein, and lycopene) are known to have antioxidant properties and promote cardiovascular (CV) health [2]. Several epidemiological studies [3,4,5,6,7], but not all [8,9], suggest that a high dietary intake of tomato or lycopene and a high plasma level of lycopene are associated with a lower risk of CVD. A recent meta-analysis indicates that an increased intake of tomato and/or lycopene could have a beneficial effect on CV risk factors, including blood lipids, blood pressure, and endothelial function [10].
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