Lutein May Fight Heart Disease

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Lutein, an antioxidant nutrient already linked to eye health, may help prevent the hardening and narrowing of arteries that can lead to heart attack and stroke, according to a new report.

In a study of 480 middle-aged men and women, California researchers found that those with the highest blood levels of lutein showed the least thickening in their artery walls over 18 months.

Lutein is one of a group of antioxidants that includes vitamins A, C and E. Research has suggested that because these nutrients can neutralize oxidative damage in the body, they may help prevent heart disease and certain cancers. The oxidation of LDL (''bad'') cholesterol in the arteries is a major factor in the development of heart disease, and there has been much research into whether antioxidants--mostly vitamin E--can ward off heart disease.

Lutein has already been shown to potentially lower the risk of an age-related vision loss called macular degeneration, possibly by preventing oxidative damage to the retina.

In the new research, investigators studied lutein's relationship to thickening in the neck's carotid arteries, a marker of artery disease throughout the body. They found that while participants with the highest blood levels of lutein showed virtually no artery-wall thickening at the end of the study, those with the lowest lutein levels showed increased artery thickness. The lutein link held after factors including age, smoking, use of heart medications and intake of other vitamins were considered.

Researchers led by Dr. James H. Dwyer of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles report the findings in the June 19th issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

To further investigate this dietary association, Dwyer's team conducted experiments in mice and cell cultures. They found that treating artery-wall cells with lutein reduced the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. And in mice engineered to develop artery disease, the researchers found that those given lutein-supplemented diets showed significantly smaller artery-clogging plaques compared with untreated mice.

Taken together, Dwyer's team concludes, these findings suggest lutein may be a ``potent protective factor'' against artery disease progression.

More studies, they note, will be needed to see how lutein-rich foods and supplements affect the development of artery disease.

Lutein-rich foods include dark leafy greens like spinach, orange juice, carrots and eggs. Experts advise that people get the proper balance of antioxidants through a healthful diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

SOURCE: Circulation 2001;103.

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