In this study, the dose-dependent effects of a 12-week diet rich in fruit and vegetables on endothelial function was assessed in 117 participants with hypertension. Lutein and β-cryptoxanthin concentrations increased across subgroups in a dose-dependent manner (1, 3 or 6 portions per day). For each 1-portion increase in fruit and vegetable consumption, there was a 6.2% improvement in forearm blood flow responses to intra-arterial administration of the endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetycholine. No such relationship was seen for sodium nitroprusside, which is an endothelium-independent vasodilator. Thus, among hypertensive individuals, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with significant improvements in markers of endothelial function.
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