Olive Oil Polyphenols for Cardiovascular Health
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if different types of olive oil can alter factors affecting heart health, such as cholesterol and inflammation. Participants will consume either high-polyphenol or low-polyphenol olive oil daily for two weeks. The trial seeks generally healthy adults without chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart issues. It may suit individuals without major health conditions who wish to explore how olive oil might impact their heart health. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the potential heart health benefits of olive oil.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you stop taking certain medications, such as prescription lipid medications, supplements affecting lipoprotein metabolism, more than 1 gram of fish oil per day, antioxidant supplements, and cannabidiol (CBD) oil. If you are taking these, you may need to stop before participating.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that using olive oil can lower the risk of heart disease. People who consume more olive oil, especially varieties high in polyphenols, tend to experience fewer heart problems. For instance, regular olive oil users have seen a 14% reduction in heart disease cases. This type of olive oil contains extra antioxidants, which benefit heart health.
Low-polyphenol olive oil also offers advantages. It helps the body manage bad cholesterol more effectively. Even just two tablespoons a day can reduce heart disease risk by about 8%.
Both types of olive oil appear safe for most people. Studies have not identified any major side effects, indicating these oils are likely well-tolerated.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Unlike many common treatments for cardiovascular health that rely on medications, these investigational treatments use olive oil, specifically focusing on its polyphenol content. High-polyphenol olive oil is unique because it harnesses natural antioxidants that may improve heart health more effectively than oils with lower polyphenol levels. Researchers are excited about this approach because it offers a dietary solution that could enhance cardiovascular health with potentially fewer side effects than traditional pharmaceuticals. Plus, incorporating olive oil into daily meals is simple and could make managing heart health more accessible and sustainable for many people.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for cardiovascular health?
This trial will compare the effects of high-polyphenol olive oil and low-polyphenol olive oil on cardiovascular health. Research has shown that olive oil with high levels of polyphenols can lower the risk of heart disease. Studies have found it reduces both high blood pressure and bad LDL cholesterol. Specifically, one study discovered that people who used more olive oil had a 14% lower chance of developing heart disease. While there is less information about the heart benefits of olive oil with low polyphenol levels, using any olive oil is generally linked to lower heart disease rates. This suggests that both types of olive oil might support heart health, but high-polyphenol olive oil could offer greater benefits.14678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for generally healthy men and women aged 20-45 with a BMI of 18.5-29.9 or ≥30 for obese individuals. Exclusions include smokers, heavy alcohol users, drug users, those unable to consent, pregnant/lactating women, people with high cholesterol or blood sugar levels, olive allergies, extreme diets/exercise habits, certain chronic diseases or medication use.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Run-in
Participants undergo a two-week run-in period to become accustomed to the study diet
Dietary Intervention 1
Participants consume either high-polyphenol or low-polyphenol olive oil for 2 weeks
Washout
Participants undergo a two-week washout period between dietary interventions
Dietary Intervention 2
Participants consume the alternate olive oil (high-polyphenol or low-polyphenol) for 2 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- High-polyphenol olive oil
- Low-polyphenol olive oil
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, Davis
Lead Sponsor