Antioxidants Low in Coronary Artery Disease

Antioxidant status¹ was evaluated in 1462 patients undergoing coronary angiography.  Researchers found that patients with coronary artery disease had lower levels of vitamin C, gamma-tocopherol, lycopene It is a bright red carotene and carotenoid pigment and phytochemical found in red colored fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, watermelon, and papayas. Research suggests amelioration of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and infertility. , lutein, zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene, compared to controls. 

Furthermore, immune cells were excessively activated in the low antioxidant group – meaning that adequate antioxidants are needed to prevent the excessive activation of inflammatory immune cells that drive the cardiovascular disease process.

A wide variety of antioxidants are known to work synergistically to promote health.  This study is one more example of the extreme value of basic antioxidants in supporting cardiovascular health.