As the leading cause of death worldwide, heart disease is considered a global issue, so supporting heart health is incredibly important. This week’s Nutrition News covers the latest nutritional research, including two progressive studies on how nutrition can support heart health.
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Hesperidin and heart health
Hesperidin, a natural bioactive compound found in citrus fruits, has been investigated for its potential impact on heart health and, more specifically, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. The study “The effects of hesperidin supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults: a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis” aimed to explore the effects of hesperidin on various cardiovascular risk factors. A comprehensive search was conducted and relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were analysed.
The results showed that hesperidin had a significant effect on reducing serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density cholesterol (LDL), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and systolic blood pressure (SBP). However, it had no significant effect on high-density cholesterol (HDL), waist circumference (WC), fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), body mass index (BMI), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The effective dosage of hesperidin was around 1,000 mg/day, and a duration of more than eight weeks was more effective in decreasing insulin levels. Furthermore, interventions longer than six weeks were effective in decreasing FBG levels.
Hesperidin, as a flavonoid, has been shown to improve lipid metabolism by reducing serum levels of TG, TC, and LDL. It inhibits cholesterol synthesis and activates enzymes involved in triglyceride metabolism. The effects on FBG and insulin levels were more prominent in specific subgroups, such as higher dosage, longer duration, and certain baseline levels.
The study also revealed that hesperidin supplementation significantly reduced TNF-α levels, indicating its anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effects on other inflammatory markers were inconclusive.
Regarding blood pressure, hesperidin intake significantly reduced SBP but had no effect on DBP. The reduction in SBP was more significant in specific subgroups, such as shorter intervention duration and overweight individuals.
Although this meta-analysis provides evidence of the potential benefits of hesperidin in reducing certain cardiovascular risk factors, further well-designed studies and mechanistic research are needed to confirm these effects and explore other factors such as FBG, insulin resistance, HDL, and inflammatory markers. The optimal dosage and duration of hesperidin supplementation for specific outcomes require further investigation.
The link between gut health and heart health
A groundbreaking study, reported by Healthline in the article “Your Gut Bacteria May Impact Your Heart Health, Here's How” has uncovered a compelling connection between gut bacteria and heart health. The research, conducted by scientists from Uppsala University, examined the relationship between gut flora and the development of coronary atherosclerotic plaques, which are fatty build-ups associated with an increased risk of cardiac events.
To investigate this association, the researchers analysed the gut bacteria and cardiac imaging of nearly 9,000 participants between the ages of 50 and 65 who did not have pre-existing heart disease. By focusing on individuals without cardiovascular conditions, the study was able to isolate the impact of gut bacteria on heart health, free from the influence of medications or lifestyle changes due to disease.
The findings revealed a strong correlation between gut health and cardiovascular health. An unhealthy gut was found to be a risk factor for a range of cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, atherosclerosis (plaque formation in blood vessels), heart attacks, and strokes. The exact mechanisms underlying the gut-heart link are still being investigated, but it is believed to involve chemicals or processes associated with gut bacteria.
Two specific bacteria species, Streptococcus anginosus and Streptococcus oralis subsp. oralis, were particularly linked to the presence of coronary atherosclerosis. Interestingly, these species were also found in abundance in the oral cavity, suggesting a potential connection between oral health and heart disease. Previous research has indicated that oral exposure to Streptococcus species can stimulate plaque growth.
Research on the gut microbiome has already unveiled various connections between specific bacteria and different health states. It is speculated that certain bacteria may release factors that offer heart support, suppress inflammation, or inhibit the growth of other bacteria that can harm the heart.
These findings emphasise the importance of maintaining a healthy gut and oral microbiome for overall heart health. Further research is planned to explore the connection between the oral and gut microbiomes and atherosclerosis, as well as factors influencing the levels of specific gut bacteria. With a better understanding of these relationships, researchers aim to develop targeted interventions to prevent or mitigate heart disease based on promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
How probiotics could combat microplastics
Nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) made of polystyrene (PS) can have toxic effects on humans, particularly when ingested. They can disrupt intestinal flora, affecting gut health, cause mutagenicity, cytotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, and oxidative stress. A recent study, reported by NutraIngredients in the article “Probiotics offer promise in reducing microplastic toxicity, review concludes”, suggests that probiotics could protect against PS toxicity.
Plastic pollution is a global environmental concern, with the use of plastics expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. PS, a commonly used plastic, can degrade into NPs and MPs that can be ingested through food and beverages. Chronic ingestion of these particles can negatively affect the gut barrier function and lead to microbial dysbiosis. The ingestion of plastic particles poses a concern for human health due to their potential toxic effects. It is important to study the routes of plastic particle absorption, their levels in food, and their impact on human health.
Probiotics have shown protective effects in various organs, including the gastrointestinal tract, reproductive tract, and supporting cognitive health. Both MPs and NPs can induce microbial dysbiosis in the gut, nose, and lungs, making probiotic bacteria a potential option for combating such toxicity. Probiotics can support gut dysbiosis, reduce intestinal leakage, act as an anti-inflammatory by lowering inflammatory biomarkers, and offer immune support. Although more research is needed, probiotics may help mitigate the toxicity of polystyrene NPs and MPs in humans.
Probiotics offer potential protective mechanisms, including enhancing the intestinal barrier, modulating immune responses, and normalising perturbed microbial communities. Probiotics may reduce the toxicity of nanoplastics and microplastics, but further evaluation and research are needed to understand their effectiveness in humans. While further research is necessary, these findings are promising considering the weight of the issue around NPS and MPs globally.
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Alison is Director and Founder of Metabolics who writes about Metabolics updates, events and natural healthcare. Her experience and passion for natural supplements and healthcare comes from her years of experience as a practising osteopath, having founded Metabolics in her search for high quality, natural products in her own work. Alison has been a qualified and practising Osteopath since 1981 and regularly gives seminars on a range of healthcare subjects to the wider practitioner community helping share her knowledge and experience.
