The Effects of Nut Consumption on Vascular Function.

Samantha Morgillo,Alison M Hill,Alison M Coates

doi:10.3390/nu11010116

Abstract

Vascular stiffness can be measured using numerous techniques including assessments of central haemodynamics, aortic arterial stiffness, and indices of aortic wave reflection and endothelial dilatation. Impaired vascular function is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Epidemiological studies indicate that regular nut consumption reduces CVD risk, with one of the proposed mechanisms being via improvements in vascular function. This narrative review summarizes the evidence from a systematic search of the literature of the effects of tree nut and peanut consumption on measures of vascular function excluding flow mediated dilatation. A total of 16 studies were identified, with a mix of acute controlled studies (n = 3), an uncontrolled pre/post chronic study (n = 1), chronic crossover (n = 7) and parallel studies (n = 5). Nut types tested included almonds, peanuts, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts, with dose and length of supplementation varying greatly across studies. Most studies (n = 13) included individuals at risk for CVD, according to various criteria. Findings were inconsistent, with ten studies reporting no significant changes in vascular function and six studies (one acute and five chronic studies) reporting improvements in at least one measure of vascular function. In summary, nuts have the potential to improve vascular function and future studies should consider the population, dose and length of nut supplementation as well as suitability of the different vascular function techniques.

Highlights

The nutrient profile of both tree nuts and peanuts has been proposed to be beneficial for cardiovascular health [1]
While flow mediated dilation (FMD) is considered a prognostic marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) [7], a number of other markers of vascular function are associated with increased risk of CVD, including elevated central haemodynamics, aortic arterial stiffness, and indices of aortic wave reflection [8,9], which may be improved with nut consumption
Peer-reviewed intervention studies published in English evaluating at least one type of nut and their effects on vascular function measured as either vascular stiffness or vascular reactivity were included

Summary

Introduction

The nutrient profile of both tree nuts and peanuts has been proposed to be beneficial for cardiovascular health [1]. Prospective epidemiological studies have consistently reported cardiovascular benefits associated with regular nut consumption [3]. This benefit has been linked with several proposed mechanisms, including altered cholesterol metabolism leading to improved lipid profiles, reduced oxidative stress, enhanced beta oxidation and reduced vascular inflammation, which promotes vascular health [4]. While FMD is considered a prognostic marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) [7], a number of other markers of vascular function are associated with increased risk of CVD, including elevated central haemodynamics, aortic arterial stiffness, and indices of aortic wave reflection [8,9], which may be improved with nut consumption

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Discussion

Conclusion