Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Carotenoids are a class of pigments found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, with beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin being among the most studied. There is some scientific interest in carotenoids for their potential cardiovascular benefits, primarily due to their antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress—a factor implicated in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Observational studies have shown that higher dietary intake or blood levels of carotenoids are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. For example, lycopene, found in tomatoes, has been linked with lower rates of cardiovascular events in some cohort studies. Beta-carotene has also been studied; however, large randomized controlled trials have generally failed to show a significant effect of beta-carotene supplementation on reducing cardiovascular events or mortality, and in some cases, high-dose supplementation has been associated with harm, particularly in smokers. While the evidence from population studies is somewhat supportive, direct intervention trials with carotenoid supplements have not convincingly demonstrated benefits for treating or reversing heart weakness or heart failure. Rather, the benefit appears to be when carotenoids are consumed as part of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Thus, carotenoids are considered to have modest scientific support for general heart health, but there is insufficient evidence for their use as a treatment for heart weakness specifically.

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