THE EFFECT OF ANTIOXIDANT DIETARY MICRONUTRIENTS ON LDL OXIDATION - IMPLICATIONS FOR ATHEROSCLEROSIS PREVENTION

Several lines of evidence support a pro-atherogenic role for oxidized LDL and its in vivo existence. Epidemiological data suggests the decreased levels of micronutrient antioxidants such as alpha tocopherol, ascorbate and beta-carotene are associated with an increased frequency of cardiovascular disease. These micronutrient antioxidants have been shown to prevent LDL oxidation in vitro, and in addition to retard the progression of atherosclerosis in animal models. Dietary supplementation studies of human subjects with ascorbate, alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene has been shown to decrease the susceptibility of the LDL to oxidative modification without producing side effects. Thus, these micronutrient antioxidants have the potential to become an additional modality in future strategies of atherosclerosis prevention.