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 .
The aim of the present systematic review was to synthesize data from r and omized controlled trials investigating the effects of olive oil on markers of inflammation or endothelial function .
Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation, Vascular Function and Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Young Adults
Background A high consumption of omega‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids , and particularly docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA ) , has been suggested to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) . However , while DHA supplementation may have benefits for secondary prevention , few studies have investigated the role of DHA in the primary prevention of CVD . Here , we tested the hypothesis that DHA supplementation  improves endothelial function and risk factors for CVD . Methods and Results Healthy volunteers ( n=328 ) , aged 18 to 37 years , were r and omly assigned to 1.6 g DHA/day ( from a microalgae source ) together with 2.4 g/day carrier oil ( index group ) or to 4.0 g/day olive oil ( control ) ( both given in eight 500‐mg capsules/day for 16 weeks ) . Flow‐mediated endothelium‐dependent vasodilation ( FMD ) of the brachial artery ( primary outcome ) was measured before and after the intervention ( n=268 ) using high‐resolution vascular ultrasound . FMD was the same in both groups at r and omization ( mean , SD ; 0.27 , 0.1 mm ) , but postintervention was higher in the control group ( 0.29 , 0.1 mm ) compared with the DHA‐supplemented group ( 0.26 , 0.1 mm ; mean difference −0.03 mm ; 95 % CI −0.005 to −0.06 mm ; P=0.02 ) . Of other outcomes , only triglyceride ( mean difference −28 % , 95 % CI −40 % to −15 % ; P<0.0001 ) and very low‐density lipoprotein concentrations were significant lower in DHA‐supplemented individuals compared with controls . Conclusions DHA supplementation did not improve endothelial function in healthy , young adults .  Nevertheless , lower triglyceride concentrations with DHA supplementation was consistent with previous reports and could have benefits for the prevention of CVD . Clinical Trial Registration Information URL : http://www.controlled-trials.com/ Unique identifier : IS RCT N no : 19987575
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 .
The aim of the present systematic review was to synthesize data from r and omized controlled trials investigating the effects of olive oil on markers of inflammation or endothelial function .