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Effects of Nutrient Intake on Cardiovascular Disease

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 June 2025 | Viewed by 5000

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
Interests: cardiovascular disease; salt sensitive hypertension; exercise training
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The burden of cardiovascular disease is a global issue leading to a disproportionate number of premature and preventable deaths. Dietary habits and nutrient intake that influence metabolic health are well recognized as major modifiable factors that contribute to this risk. Despite, or because of, cardiovascular benefits displayed by GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 antagonists, the role of a balanced and appropriate dietary intake as a primary or valuable adjunct to pharmacological therapy is crucial. The disproportional prevalence of cardiovascular disease in less affluent countries makes attention to dietary intervention for obtaining culturally and regionally optimal dietary patterns even more important.

This Special Issue is designed to provide a platform to examine foods and/or nutrients that impact cardiovascular health and disease. In addition to pathophysiological and pharmacological investigations, studies that address cultural, regional/national and socioeconomic factors that influence dietary patterns and availability of key nutrients are welcome.

We will also welcome original articles as well as narrative and systematic reviews.

Prof. Dr. Noreen F. Rossi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • dietary patterns
  • nutrient intake
  • dietary habits
  • cardiovascular risk
  • cardiovascular health
  • disease prevention
  • factors

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1689 KiB  
Article
Effect of Combined Vitamin C and Thiamine Therapy on Myocardial and Inflammatory Markers in Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
by Mantana Saetang, Wirat Wasinwong, Maliwan Oofuvong, Jutarat Tanasansutthiporn, Laortip Rattanapittayaporn, Sutthasinee Petsakul, Pongsanae Duangpakdee, Puripong Rodneam, Parin Boonthum, Supphamongkhon Khunakanan, Chaitong Churuangsuk, Wilaiwan Sriwimol, Amphan Chantarokon, Kanjana Nuanjun and Dararat Yongsata
Nutrients 2025, 17(6), 1006; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17061006 - 13 Mar 2025
Viewed by 206
Abstract
Background: Oxidative stress and systemic inflammation during cardiac surgery can lead to postoperative complications. Although vitamin C and thiamine (vitamin B1) have individually demonstrated protective effects, their combined effects remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combined vitamin C and [...] Read more.
Background: Oxidative stress and systemic inflammation during cardiac surgery can lead to postoperative complications. Although vitamin C and thiamine (vitamin B1) have individually demonstrated protective effects, their combined effects remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combined vitamin C and B1 therapy versus that of vitamin C alone in reducing inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers and improving postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: In this prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 64 patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery at a tertiary care center were randomized to receive either 1000 mg vitamin C or a combination of 1000 mg vitamin C and 100 mg vitamin B1 at four perioperative time points. Primary outcomes included changes in inflammatory biomarkers [C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and white blood cells], and cardiac biomarkers [creatine kinase-MB, Troponin-I, and lactate dehydrogenase]. Secondary outcomes included hemodynamic parameters and left ventricular function. Results: Compared with vitamin C alone, combined vitamin B1 and vitamin C significantly reduced postoperative cardiac biomarker levels. IL-6 levels were significantly lower immediately in the combined group; however, this effect was not sustained at 24 h post-surgery. Up to 24 h after surgery, no significant differences in hemodynamic stability or left ventricular ejection were observed between the groups. Notably, the combined therapy group demonstrated a lower incidence of postoperative arrhythmias and shorter dobutamine duration within 24 postoperatively. Conclusions: Combined vitamin C and B1 therapy significantly reduced markers of myocardial injury and early inflammatory responses (IL-6) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, suggesting its potential as a protective agent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nutrient Intake on Cardiovascular Disease)
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19 pages, 1054 KiB  
Article
Acute Cardiovascular Effects of Turkish Coffee Assessed by VO2 Test: A Randomized Crossover Trial
by Nour A. Elsahoryi, Mohammed O. Ibrahim, Omar A. Alhaj and Fadwa Hammouh
Nutrients 2025, 17(5), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17050823 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 263
Abstract
Background: Turkish coffee (TC), a traditional unfiltered coffee preparation method, contains unique bioactive compounds due to its specific brewing process. While TC’s cultural significance is well-documented, its acute physiological and psychological effects remain understudied. Objectives: This randomized, controlled crossover trial investigated the acute [...] Read more.
Background: Turkish coffee (TC), a traditional unfiltered coffee preparation method, contains unique bioactive compounds due to its specific brewing process. While TC’s cultural significance is well-documented, its acute physiological and psychological effects remain understudied. Objectives: This randomized, controlled crossover trial investigated the acute effects of a standardized TC dose (3 mg caffeine/kg body weight) on metabolic and psychological parameters in healthy female university students (n = 52, age: 20.25 ± 1.20 years). Methods: TC was prepared with a 1:1 ratio of medium and dark roasted Arabica beans. The chemical analysis showed the caffeine content to be 2.8 ± 0.3 mg/mL and the chlorogenic acid content to be 1.9 ± 0.2 mg/ml. Participants were randomized to receive either TC or water control, with a washout period of 8 weeks between treatments. Cardiovascular parameters, metabolic markers, and validated visual analog scales (VAS) were assessed at baseline, 60-, 90-, and 120-min post-consumption. Results: Heart rate showed significant time-dependent reductions in both groups (control: p < 0.05; TC: p-value < 0.01 at 60, 90, and 120 min vs. baseline). Heart rate dropped significantly in the Turkish coffee group, from 78.0 ± 10.2 bpm at baseline to 71.5 ± 9.5 bpm after 90 min (p-value = 0.002). Sleep scores also declined, from 4.38 ± 2.91 at baseline to 1.88 ± 1.45 after 120 min (p < 0.05), indicating a stimulating effect of caffeine. TC consumption significantly affected appetite sensations (p < 0.05) and sleep scores (F = 3.174, p-value = 0.029), with the TC group showing progressive reductions in sleep scores from baseline (4.38 ± 2.91) to 60 min (2.58 ± 2.04), and further decreases at 90 and 120 min. Conclusions: These findings suggest that TC exerts significant acute effects on cardiovascular function and psychophysiological parameters in healthy young females, potentially due to its unique phytochemical profile and preparation method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nutrient Intake on Cardiovascular Disease)
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14 pages, 702 KiB  
Article
Associations Between Metabolic Age, Sociodemographic Variables, and Lifestyle Factors in Spanish Workers
by Ignacio Ramírez-Gallegos, Marta Marina-Arroyo, Ángel Arturo López-González, Daniela Vallejos, Emilio Martínez-Almoyna-Rifá, Pedro Juan Tárraga López and José Ignacio Ramírez-Manent
Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4207; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234207 - 5 Dec 2024
Viewed by 977
Abstract
Background: Metabolic age is defined as an estimation of a person’s age based on their basal metabolic rate (BMR) and other physiological health indicators. Unlike chronological age, which simply measures the number of years lived since birth, metabolic age is based on various [...] Read more.
Background: Metabolic age is defined as an estimation of a person’s age based on their basal metabolic rate (BMR) and other physiological health indicators. Unlike chronological age, which simply measures the number of years lived since birth, metabolic age is based on various health and fitness markers that estimate the body’s “true” biological age and can be assessed using various methodologies, including bioimpedance. The aim of this study was to evaluate how age, sex, social class, smoking habits, physical activity, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet influence metabolic age. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted on 8590 Spanish workers in the Balearic Islands. A series of sociodemographic variables and health-related habits were assessed, while metabolic age was measured using bioimpedance. A metabolic age exceeding chronological age by 12 years or more was considered high. A descriptive analysis of categorical variables was performed by calculating their frequency and distribution. By applying multivariate models, specifically multinomial logistic regression, we observe that all independent variables (sex, age, social class, physical activity, mediterranean diet, and smoking) show varying levels of association with the occurrence of high metabolic age values. Among these independent variables, those showing the highest degree of association, represented by odds ratios, are physical activity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and social class. In all cases, the observed differences demonstrate a high level of statistical significance (p < 0.001). Results: The factors with the greatest influence were physical inactivity, with an OR of 5.07; and low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, with an OR of 2.8; followed by social class, with an OR of 2.51. Metabolic age increased with chronological age and was higher in males, with an OR of 1.38. Smoking also had a negative impact on metabolic age, with an OR of 1.19. Conclusions: Mediterranean diet is associated with a higher metabolic age. The most influential factors on metabolic age are physical activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet, followed by the individual’s socioeconomic class. Smoking also contributes to increased metabolic age, albeit to a lesser extent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nutrient Intake on Cardiovascular Disease)
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14 pages, 2340 KiB  
Article
Healthy Dietary Pattern Cycling Affects Gut Microbiota and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: Results from a Randomized Controlled Feeding Trial with Young, Healthy Adults
by Yu Wang, Tzu-Wen L. Cross, Stephen R. Lindemann, Minghua Tang and Wayne W. Campbell
Nutrients 2024, 16(21), 3619; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213619 - 25 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2757
Abstract
Background: Previous research demonstrates that adopting, abandoning, and re-adopting (i.e., cycling) a healthy dietary pattern (HDP) improved, reverted, and re-improved cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. In addition, changes in CVD risk factors are associated with dietary modifications of gut microbiota. Objective: We sought [...] Read more.
Background: Previous research demonstrates that adopting, abandoning, and re-adopting (i.e., cycling) a healthy dietary pattern (HDP) improved, reverted, and re-improved cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. In addition, changes in CVD risk factors are associated with dietary modifications of gut microbiota. Objective: We sought to assess the effects of cycling an HDP on gut microbiota and CVD risk factors. Methods: Retrospectively, we used data from a randomized controlled, crossover trial with three 3-week controlled dietary interventions, each separated by a 5-week period of participant-chosen, uncontrolled food intake. Seventeen participants (10 males, 7 females, age 26 ± 4 years old, BMI 23 ± 3 kg/m2) all consumed intervention diets that followed healthy U.S.-style dietary patterns. Gut microbiota composition and cardiovascular risk factors were measured before and after each HDP. Results: Repeatedly adopting and abandoning an HDP led to a cycling pattern of changes in the gut microbial community and taxonomic composition. During the HDP cycles, relative abundances of several bacterial taxa (e.g., Collinsella, Mediterraneibacter, Romboutsia, and Dorea) decreased and returned to baseline repeatedly. Similar HDP cycling occurred for multiple CVD risk factors (i.e., serum total cholesterol and LDL-C concentrations). Consistent negative associations were observed between changes in Mediterraneibacter or Collinsella and serum total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio. Conclusions: These results support previous findings that HDP cycling affected multiple CVD risk factors and expand the HDP cycling phenomenon to include several bacterial taxa. Young adults are encouraged to adopt and sustain a healthy dietary pattern to improve cardiovascular health, potentially through modifying gut microbiota composition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nutrient Intake on Cardiovascular Disease)
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Review

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22 pages, 330 KiB  
Review
The Role of the Planetary Diet in Managing Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease: A Narrative Review
by Aleksandra Muszalska, Julia Wiecanowska, Joanna Michałowska, Katarzyna Magdalena Pastusiak-Zgolińska, Izabela Polok, Kinga Łompieś and Paweł Bogdański
Nutrients 2025, 17(5), 862; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17050862 - 28 Feb 2025
Viewed by 341
Abstract
Introduction: The planetary health diet, introduced by the EAT–Lancet Commission, aims to address global health and sustainability challenges by promoting a plant-based diet with reduced consumption of animal-sourced foods. This diet not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also offers significant health benefits, [...] Read more.
Introduction: The planetary health diet, introduced by the EAT–Lancet Commission, aims to address global health and sustainability challenges by promoting a plant-based diet with reduced consumption of animal-sourced foods. This diet not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also offers significant health benefits, including prevention and management of abdominal obesity, carbohydrate metabolism disorders, dyslipidemia, and elevated blood pressure. These metabolic disorders are components of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Objectives: This narrative review aims to gather the most recent findings on the impact of the planetary diet on individual components of metabolic syndrome and on the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Methods: The available research on the topic was identified via searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Results: Abdominal obesity, a major risk factor for a range of chronic diseases, can be effectively mitigated by adhering to plant-based dietary patterns, which have been shown to reduce waist circumference and improve overall cardiometabolic health. Furthermore, the planetary diet plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of type-2 diabetes and improving glycemic control, with specific dietary components such as whole grains and fiber, demonstrating positive effects on blood glucose levels. This diet is additionally associated with favorable lipid profiles, including lower levels of LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol, which are critical in the prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Conclusions: These multiple benefits highlight that the planetary diet may be an effective strategy for managing and preventing metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. However, further research is needed to confirm its long-term efficacy and applicability across diverse populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nutrient Intake on Cardiovascular Disease)
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