Improvement of antioxidant status after Brazil nut intake in hypertensive and dyslipidemic subjects

Study answer

What this study found

Daily Brazil nut intake improved antioxidant status overall. Compared with placebo, GPx3 increased by 24.8% with Brazil nut (p = 0.034), and 12-week total antioxidant capacity was higher (p = 0.024). Oxidized LDL was lower during the Brazil nut period and showed an inverse association with GPx3 after adjustment (p = 0.008), supporting reduced oxidative stress. 8-epi PGF2α did not show a clear between-group difference. The authors concluded that Brazil nut may be a useful addition to a heart-healthy diet for hypertensive and dyslipidemic patients.

Study & population

Randomized, double-blind crossover trial in adults with hypertension and dyslipidemia receiving nutrition counseling and drug therapy at a cardiology prevention clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Intervention

Partially defatted granulated Brazil nut was given orally at 13 g/day for 12 weeks, providing about 227.5 μg of selenium on average.

Key limitation

Only 91 of 125 randomized participants completed all stages, and the crossover design raises the possibility of carryover effects despite a 4-week washout.

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Original abstract