%0 Journal Article
%@ 2072-6643
%A Sumalla Cano, Sandra
%A Eguren García, Imanol
%A Lasarte García, Álvaro
%A Prola, Thomas
%A Martínez Díaz, Raquel
%A Elío Pascual, Iñaki
%D 2024
%F uninipr:15198
%J Nutrients
%K cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); carotenoids; systematic review; supplementation; inflammation; prevention
%N 22
%P 3859
%T Carotenoids Intake and Cardiovascular Prevention: A Systematic Review
%U http://repositorio.unib.org/id/eprint/15198/
%V 16
%X 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.