Cardiovascular effects of extra virgin olive oil in healthy reproductive-aged women: a randomized controlled trial

Objectives: Pregnant patients with cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors are at increased risk of hypertension in pregnancy. Adherence to Mediterranean-based diets high in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is associated with decreased risk. We performed a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of EVOO supplementation in reproductive-aged women to investigate its effects on cardiovascular function and markers of metabolic dysfunction and inflammation. Study Design: Healthy nulliparous women were randomized to 40 g/day of EVOO high in oleic acid and phenols or an identical dose of sunflower seed oil for 8 weeks. Cardiovascular assessment, lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity and serum cytokines were assessed at baseline and post intervention. Main outcome measures: Blood pressure, vessel distensibility, metabolic assessment, serum cytokine levels. Results: Twelve women in the EVOO group and 15 in the control group completed the trial. Compliance was >97 % in both groups. EVOO supplementation reduced fasting insulin (−0.31 ± 0.52 U/mL, p = 0.03), but increased LDL cholesterol (+5.1 ± 4.0 mg/dL, p = 0.047). No differences in blood pressure were observed, though EVOO was associated with a lower blood pressure response to volume challenge and a trend toward lower hemoglobin A1c (p = 0.06). IL-10 decreased in EVOO but increased in controls, −0.05 ± 0.03 vs +0.07 ± 0.03, p = 0.01). Unique to the EVOO group, a reduction in the chemokine MCP-1 positively correlated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure (r = 0.59, p = 0.042) and MAP (r = 0.59, p = 0.042). Conclusions: EVOO supplementation in women of reproductive age may have beneficial metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects.