“ACE” Your Heart Health

Arterial stiffness occurs as a consequence of age and arteriosclerosis.  It indicates the reduced capability of an artery to expand and contract in response to pressure changes.  Ammar Ashor, from Newcastle University (United Kingdom), and colleagues pooled data from 20 randomized clinical trials studying the effects of antioxidant vitamins (Vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene) and arterial stiffness. Data analysis revealed a statistically significant association between antioxidant vitamin dietary supplementation and reduced arterial stiffness, with improvements not linked to duration of supplementation or age of the participants.  Specifically, antioxidant supplementation reduced augmentation index, a marker of cardiovascular risk, by 4.7%.   The study authors submit that: “Supplementation with antioxidant vitamins has a small, protective effect on arterial stiffness.”