Positive Health Online

Abstract

BROWN and HU, Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA reviewed (141 references) clinical and experimental evidence regarding the role of dietary nutrients (in particular, n-3 fatty acids, antioxidant vitamins E and C, folic acid and L-arginine ) in modulating endothelial function and their potential to prevent cardiovascular (CV) disease .

Background

The vascular endothelium is the primary site of dysfunction in many diseases, particular CV disease. Risk factors such as smoking, hypercholesterolaemia, hyperhomocysteinaemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus adversely affect endothelial function. Evidence is emerging to suggest an important role of dietary factors in modulating endothelial function. N-3 fatty acids, antioxidant vitamins (particularly E and C ), folic acid and L-arginine appear to have beneficial effects on vascular endothelial function, either by decreasing endothelial activation or by improving endothelium-dependent vasodilation. These may be some of the mechanisms by which these nutrients reportedly reduce the risk of CV disease .

Methodology

Results

Conclusion

References

Brown AA, Hu FB. Dietary modulation of endothelial function: implications for cardiovascular disease. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 73 (4): 673-86. Apr 2001.