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Bioactive Compounds and Functional Foods in Human Health

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 April 2025 | Viewed by 18447

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Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Thessaly, Terma N. Temponera Str., 43100 Karditsa, Greece
Interests: food lipids; food analysis; pulsed electric field; cloud point extraction; deep eutectic solvents; humic and fulvic acids
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bioactive compounds are important for developing functional foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. These substances, many of which are sourced from plants, include polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamins. They have been recognized for their potential in promoting biological processes and contributing to the prevention and management of chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Numerous studies have examined bioactive substances’ anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and antioxidant qualities. Functional foods enriched with these compounds can target specific mechanisms, offering a promising approach to disease management and prevention and overall health enhancement.

The most recent findings on bioactive compounds and functional foods in relation to human health are highlighted in this Special Issue of Nutrients. We invite researchers, scientists, and industry experts from food and nutritional sciences to share their expertise and contribute to this Special Issue.

Dr. Vassilis Athanasiadis
Prof. Dr. Stavros I. Lalas
Dr. Theodoros G. Chatzimitakos
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • antioxidants
  • bioactive compounds
  • food technology
  • functional food
  • green extraction techniques
  • health potentials
  • molecular mechanisms
  • polyphenols
  • shelf life
  • vitamins

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1931 KiB  
Article
Diet Biofunctionality in Modulating Cardiovascular Parameters in Obese Patients After Bioenteric Intragastric Balloon Bariatric Surgery
by Edyta Barbara Balejko and Jarosław Lichota
Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4038; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234038 - 26 Nov 2024
Viewed by 198
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Adiposopathy is the cause of many secondary disorders in the function and structure of many organs and systems in the body. In the progression of obesity and the increasing dysfunction of anti-inflammatory me-diators, chronic inflammation occurs. This may be accompanied by the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Adiposopathy is the cause of many secondary disorders in the function and structure of many organs and systems in the body. In the progression of obesity and the increasing dysfunction of anti-inflammatory me-diators, chronic inflammation occurs. This may be accompanied by the development of metabolic complications. Methods: A diet with highly bioactive properties was formulated, and an element of diet therapy was introduced as a key component to support treatment in obese patients following bariatric surgery. Patients underwent a BIB (Bioenteric Intragastric Balloon) procedure. As obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, this study aimed to regulate cardiovascular factors in adiposopathy. Anti-inflammatory dietary components with modulating properties were included, with increased bioflavonoids, vitamins A, E, C, folic acid, and synbiotics, and altered fatty acid composition. Results: The results showed satisfactory effects on fat reduction and the regulation of isoprostanes, plasminogen, angiotensin, prostacyclin, triglycerides, blood pressure, and blood rheology parameters. Cardiovascular co-morbidities are common in obesity. This is due to the endocrine function of adipocytes. As such, we decided to investigate the possibility of using bioactive dietary components as an adjunct to the safety of reducing prothrombotic parameters in obese patients after BIB surgery. This study hypothesised that the enrichment of the recommended diet after bariatric surgery with the addition of n-3 EFAs, bioflavonoids, vitamins, and synbiotics might result in comparable or greater fat mass loss in the subjects. In addition, the use of a functional diet might show a beneficial modifying effect on antihyperglycemic parameter values. We then compared the results to those obtained among patients fed a reducing, standard diet. Conclusions: Using a functional diet, a significant reduction in visceral fat was achieved. A decrease in VFA was shown to reduce whole-blood viscosity. Furthermore, this study showed a significant effect of bioactive components on pro-thrombotic parameters in obese patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Functional Foods in Human Health)
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12 pages, 2233 KiB  
Article
Cannabidiol Enhances Mitochondrial Metabolism and Antioxidant Defenses in Human Intestinal Epithelial Caco-2 Cells
by Alejandro Bravo Iniguez, Qi Sun, Qiaorong Cui, Min Du and Mei-Jun Zhu
Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3843; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223843 - 9 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1097
Abstract
Background: The reintroduction of hemp production has resulted in increased consumption of cannabidiol (CBD) products, particularly CBD oil, yet their effects on intestinal health are not fully understood. Proper mitochondrial function and antioxidant defenses are vital for maintaining the intestinal epithelial barrier. AMP-activated [...] Read more.
Background: The reintroduction of hemp production has resulted in increased consumption of cannabidiol (CBD) products, particularly CBD oil, yet their effects on intestinal health are not fully understood. Proper mitochondrial function and antioxidant defenses are vital for maintaining the intestinal epithelial barrier. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator (PGC)1α are key mediators of mitochondrial metabolism. Methods & Results: Using Caco-2 cells, we found that CBD oil promoted AMPK phosphorylation, upregulated differentiation markers, and enhanced PGC1α/SIRT3 mitochondrial signaling. CBD oil reduced reactive oxygen species production and increased antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, CBD oil also increased levels of citrate, malate, and succinate—key metabolites of the tricarboxylic acid cycle—alongside upregulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1. Similarly, pure CBD induced metabolic and antioxidant signaling. Conclusions: CBD enhances mitochondrial metabolic activity and antioxidant defense in Caco-2 cells, making it a promising candidate for treating intestinal dysfunction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Functional Foods in Human Health)
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19 pages, 1591 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Maceration and Flavoring on the Composition and Health-Promoting Properties of Roasted Coffee
by Joanna Grzelczyk, Grażyna Budryn, Krzysztof Kołodziejczyk and Joanna Ziętala
Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 2823; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16172823 - 23 Aug 2024
Viewed by 965
Abstract
Over the years, many methods of refining green beans have been developed, including maceration aimed at enriching the coffee aroma and improving the overall quality. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different methods of maceration (fruit and wine) and the addition [...] Read more.
Over the years, many methods of refining green beans have been developed, including maceration aimed at enriching the coffee aroma and improving the overall quality. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different methods of maceration (fruit and wine) and the addition of food flavors to coffee beans on antioxidant activity, caffeine, phenolic and organic acid content, as well as health-promoting properties. This research showed that the use of the maceration in melon and apple fruit pulp (100 g of fruit pulp per 100 g of green coffee, incubated for 24 h, coffee roasting at 230 °C, control trial roasted coffee) ensured the highest polyphenol (hydroxycinnamic acids and their esters—chlorogenic acids) content (in melon pulp—13.56 g/100 g d.b. (dry bean); in apple pulp—13.22 g/100 g d.b., p < 0.05 (one-way ANOVA)) and antioxidant activity. Melon (92.11%, IC50 = 3.80 mg/mL extract) and apple (84.55%, IC50 = 4.14 mg/mL) showed the highest α-amylase (enzyme concentration 10 μmol/mL) inhibition activity (0.5 mg/mL for both fruits). The addition of food flavors reduced the total content of chlorogenic acids to the range of 4.64 to 6.48 g/100 g d.b. and increased the content of acrylamide and 5-HMF, which positively correlated with a low antioxidant potential compared to the macerated samples and the control. Studies have shown that coffee macerated in the pulp of melon and apple fruit, due to its great potential to inhibit α-amylase in vivo, may have a preventive effect on type II diabetes. This study complements the current knowledge on the potential health-promoting properties of coffee flavored using different methods; further research should include more advanced models for testing these health-promoting properties. Statistical analysis was based on the determination of the average values of six measurements and their standard deviation, as well as on the one-way ANOVA (analysis of variation) and the Pearson correlation coefficient, using Statistic 10.0 software. The significance was defined at p ≤ 0.05. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Functional Foods in Human Health)
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12 pages, 1341 KiB  
Article
Beneficial Effects of Ginger Extract on Eye Fatigue and Shoulder Stiffness: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Parallel Study
by Fumiko Higashikawa, Yuta Nakaniida, Hongyang Li, Lian Liang, Keishi Kanno, Keiko Ogawa-Ochiai and Yoshiaki Kiuchi
Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2715; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162715 - 15 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2502
Abstract
This study aimed to assess ginger extract’s impact on ocular and peripheral blood flow and its potential to alleviate eye fatigue and shoulder stiffness. This study included 100 healthy individuals aged 20–73 years with eye fatigue and shoulder stiffness. Participants were randomly assigned [...] Read more.
This study aimed to assess ginger extract’s impact on ocular and peripheral blood flow and its potential to alleviate eye fatigue and shoulder stiffness. This study included 100 healthy individuals aged 20–73 years with eye fatigue and shoulder stiffness. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either placebo capsules or ginger extract capsules daily for eight weeks. Ocular blood flow, peripheral blood flow, eye fatigue (visual analog scale [VAS]), shoulder stiffness (VAS), body warmth (VAS), and shoulder muscle stiffness were assessed at weeks 0, 4, and 8, respectively. No improvement in ocular blood flow was observed under the study conditions. Conversely, peripheral blood flow in deep areas was enhanced in females (p = 0.033). Subgroup analysis by age (≥51 or <51 years) revealed that ginger’s effect on enhancing peripheral blood flow in deep vessels was restricted in females under 51 (p = 0.017). Similarly, subjective complaints of eye fatigue and shoulder stiffness were improved by ginger consumption in females under 51. Body warmth was favorably changed significantly in males ≥51 years due to ginger consumption. The muscle stiffness showed no statistically significant changes. In conclusion, ginger consumption reduces eye fatigue and shoulder stiffness by enhancing peripheral blood flow in relatively young females. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Functional Foods in Human Health)
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16 pages, 4209 KiB  
Article
Quinoa Polyphenol Extract Alleviates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease via Inhibiting Lipid Accumulation, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
by Wenjun Yao, Mingcong Fan, Haifeng Qian, Yan Li and Li Wang
Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2276; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142276 - 15 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1702
Abstract
Recently, the incidence of NAFLD has exploded globally, but there are currently no officially approved medications for treating the condition. The regulation of NAFLD through plant-derived active substances has become a new area of interest. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has been discovered [...] Read more.
Recently, the incidence of NAFLD has exploded globally, but there are currently no officially approved medications for treating the condition. The regulation of NAFLD through plant-derived active substances has become a new area of interest. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has been discovered to contain a large quantity of bioactive compounds. In this study, we established a free fatty acid (FFA)-induced steatosis model and explored the effects of quinoa polyphenol extract (QPE) on the major hallmarks of NAFLD. The results indicated that QPE significantly reduced intracellular triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels. Additionally, QPE remarkably elevated the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) and lowered levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). Further examination revealed that QPE attenuated intracellular inflammation, which was verified by the reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistically, QPE inhibited fatty acid biosynthesis mainly by targeting de novo lipogenesis (DNL) via the AMPK/SREBP-1c signaling pathway. Moreover, network pharmacology was used to analyze key targets for NAFLD mitigation by ferulic acid (FA), a major component of QPE. Taken together, this study suggests that QPE could ameliorate NAFLD by modulating hepatic lipid metabolism and alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Functional Foods in Human Health)
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15 pages, 3510 KiB  
Article
Effect of the Administration of Cordyceps militaris Mycelium Extract on Blood Markers for Anemia in Long-Distance Runners
by Akira Nakamura, Eri Shinozaki, Yoshio Suzuki, Kazuki Santa, Yoshio Kumazawa, Fumio Kobayashi, Isao Nagaoka and Natsue Koikawa
Nutrients 2024, 16(12), 1835; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121835 - 11 Jun 2024
Viewed by 2489
Abstract
In the present study, we conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group comparison trial in which an extract of Cordyceps militaris (CM) mycelium was administered to long-distance runners for 16 weeks during the pre-season training period and blood test markers for anemia were investigated. The [...] Read more.
In the present study, we conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group comparison trial in which an extract of Cordyceps militaris (CM) mycelium was administered to long-distance runners for 16 weeks during the pre-season training period and blood test markers for anemia were investigated. The results indicated that the change rates of serum ferritin levels were moderately increased in the CM group (n = 11) but decreased in the placebo group (n = 11) during the study period, and the levels were significantly increased in the CM group compared with those in the placebo group at 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the test food intake (p < 0.05). Moreover, the change rates of hemoglobin and hematocrit were significantly increased in the CM group compared with those in the placebo group at 8 weeks after the test food intake (p < 0.05). These observations suggest that the intake of test food containing Cordyceps militaris mycelium extract is expected to effectively maintain the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in long-distance runners, possibly via the suppression of the decrease in iron storage, which is reflected by serum ferritin, during pre-season training. Furthermore, the levels of creatine kinase were increased above the normal range in both the placebo and CM groups at registration. Interestingly, the creatine kinase levels were significantly decreased in the CM group compared with those in the placebo group at 16 weeks after the test food intake (p < 0.05). These results suggest that Cordyceps militaris mycelium extract exhibits a protective action on the muscle damage observed in long-distance runners and may suppress muscle injury. Together, these observations suggest that Cordyceps militaris mycelium extract exhibits an improving effect on the markers for not only anemia, but also muscle injury in long-distance runners during pre-season training. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Functional Foods in Human Health)
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Review

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27 pages, 1282 KiB  
Review
Functional Foods in Preventing Human Blood Platelet Hyperactivity-Mediated Diseases—An Updated Review
by Asim K. Duttaroy
Nutrients 2024, 16(21), 3717; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213717 - 30 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1271
Abstract
Backgrounds/Objectives: Abnormal platelet functions are associated with human morbidity and mortality. Platelets have emerged as critical regulators of numerous physiological and pathological processes beyond their established roles in hemostasis and thrombosis. Maintaining physiological platelet function is essential to hemostasis and preventing platelet-associated diseases [...] Read more.
Backgrounds/Objectives: Abnormal platelet functions are associated with human morbidity and mortality. Platelets have emerged as critical regulators of numerous physiological and pathological processes beyond their established roles in hemostasis and thrombosis. Maintaining physiological platelet function is essential to hemostasis and preventing platelet-associated diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer metastasis, immune disorders, hypertension, diabetes, sickle cell disease, inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, myeloproliferative disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Platelets become hyperactive in obesity, diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, pollution, and smokers. Platelets, upon activation, can trawl leukocytes and progenitor cells to the vascular sites. Platelets release various proinflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic factors and shed microparticles in the circulation, thus promoting pathological reactions. These platelet-released factors also maintain sustained activation, further impacting these disease processes. Although the mechanisms are unknown, multiple stimuli induce platelet hyperreactivity but involve the early pathways of platelet activation. The exact mechanisms of how hyperactive platelets contribute to these diseases are still unclear, and antiplatelet strategies are inevitable for preventing these diseases. Reducing platelet function during the early stages could significantly impact these diseases. However, while this is potentially a worthwhile intervention, using antiplatelet drugs to limit platelet function in apparently healthy individuals without cardiovascular disease is not recommended due to the increased risk of internal bleeding, resistance, and other side effects. The challenge for therapeutic intervention in these diseases is identifying factors that preferentially block specific targets involved in platelets’ complex contribution to these diseases while leaving their hemostatic function at least partially intact. Since antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin are not recommended as primary preventives, it is essential to use alternative safe platelet inhibitors without side effects. Methods: A systematic search of the PUBMED database from 2000 to 2023 was conducted using the selected keywords: “functional foods”, “polyphenols”, “fatty acids”, “herbs”, fruits and vegetables”, “cardioprotective agents”, “plant”, “platelet aggregation”, “platelet activation”, “clinical and non-clinical trial”, “randomized”, and “controlled”. Results: Potent natural antiplatelet factors have been described, including omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and other phytochemicals. Antiplatelet bioactive compounds in food that can prevent platelet hyperactivity and thus may prevent several platelet-mediated diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Conclusions: This narrative review describes the work during 2000–2023 in developing functional foods from natural sources with antiplatelet effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Functional Foods in Human Health)
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23 pages, 4116 KiB  
Review
Exploring the Phytochemical, Pharmacological and Nutritional Properties of Moringa oleifera: A Comprehensive Review
by Surisetti Divya, Vinay Kumar Pandey, Ritik Dixit, Sarvesh Rustagi, Tejas Suthar, David Atuahene, Vivien Nagy, Diána Ungai, Abdelhakam Esmaeil Mohamed Ahmed, Béla Kovács and Ayaz Mukarram Shaikh
Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3423; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193423 - 9 Oct 2024
Viewed by 4443
Abstract
Background: Moringa oleifera is one of the most nutrient-packed species, commonly known as the drumstick tree or miracle tree, and has garnered substantial popularity for its health benefits, phytochemical profile, and therapeutic potential. Moringa oleifera is a plant that is native to the [...] Read more.
Background: Moringa oleifera is one of the most nutrient-packed species, commonly known as the drumstick tree or miracle tree, and has garnered substantial popularity for its health benefits, phytochemical profile, and therapeutic potential. Moringa oleifera is a plant that is native to the Indian subcontinent and has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years owing to its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Methods: The leaves, seeds, pods, roots, and flowers of this plant are enriched with a wide range of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. Therefore, it is considered a reservoir crop for both nutritional and medicinal applications. Result: The recent rediscovery of the plant is at the forefront of changes in nutrition, medicine, and public health. Owing to its varied clinical applications, the plant is a potential candidate for research in new drug development and functional foods. Conclusions: Potential applications of Moringa compounds in the treatment of chronic diseases include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial (bacterial or fungal), and anticancerous effects. In this review, various phytochemical extraction techniques, therapeutic properties, and applications are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Functional Foods in Human Health)
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16 pages, 1338 KiB  
Review
Antitumor Effects of Resveratrol Opposing Mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori in Gastric Cancer
by Daniela Trautmann, Francesca Suazo, Keila Torres and Layla Simón
Nutrients 2024, 16(13), 2141; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16132141 - 4 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1686
Abstract
Gastric cancer is an aggressive and multifactorial disease. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is identified as a significant etiological factor in gastric cancer. Although only a fraction of patients infected with H. pylori progresses to gastric cancer, bacterial infection is critical in [...] Read more.
Gastric cancer is an aggressive and multifactorial disease. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is identified as a significant etiological factor in gastric cancer. Although only a fraction of patients infected with H. pylori progresses to gastric cancer, bacterial infection is critical in the pathology and development of this malignancy. The pathogenic mechanisms of this bacterium involve the disruption of the gastric epithelial barrier and the induction of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, angiogenesis and metastasis. Adherence molecules, virulence (CagA and VacA) and colonization (urease) factors are important in its pathogenicity. On the other hand, resveratrol is a natural polyphenol with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Resveratrol also inhibits cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis, suggesting a role as a potential therapeutic agent against cancer. This review explores resveratrol as an alternative cancer treatment, particularly against H. pylori-induced gastric cancer, due to its ability to mitigate the pathogenic effects induced by bacterial infection. Resveratrol has shown efficacy in reducing the proliferation of gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the synergistic effects of resveratrol with chemotherapy and radiotherapy underline its therapeutic potential. However, further research is needed to fully describe its efficacy and safety in treating gastric cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Functional Foods in Human Health)
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Other

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18 pages, 2032 KiB  
Systematic Review
Carotenoids Intake and Cardiovascular Prevention: A Systematic Review
by Sandra Sumalla-Cano, Imanol Eguren-García, Álvaro Lasarte-García, Thomas A. Prola, Raquel Martínez-Díaz and Iñaki Elío
Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3859; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223859 - 12 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1019
Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) encompass a variety of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Carotenoids, a group of fat-soluble organic pigments synthesized by plants, fungi, algae, and some bacteria, may have a beneficial effect in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. [...] Read more.
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) encompass a variety of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Carotenoids, a group of fat-soluble organic pigments synthesized by plants, fungi, algae, and some bacteria, may have a beneficial effect in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This study aims to examine and synthesize current research on the relationship between carotenoids and CVDs. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies on the efficacy of carotenoid supplementation for CVD prevention. Interventional analytical studies (randomized and non-randomized clinical trials) published in English from January 2011 to February 2024 were included. Results: A total of 38 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. Of these, 17 epidemiological studies assessed the relationship between carotenoids and CVDs, 9 examined the effect of carotenoid supplementation, and 12 evaluated dietary interventions. Conclusions: Elevated serum carotenoid levels are associated with reduced CVD risk factors and inflammatory markers. Increasing the consumption of carotenoid-rich foods appears to be more effective than supplementation, though the specific effects of individual carotenoids on CVD risk remain uncertain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Functional Foods in Human Health)
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