Effects of an Olive By-Product Called Pâté on Cardiovascular Risk Factors.

Background: The nutraceutical effects of Olea europaea L. products are mainly due to phenolic compounds. During olive milling, most of the total phenols remain in the process by-products.

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the effects of a specific by-product of olive oil called "pâté" (OlP) administered as tablets, on cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors.

Methods: The study was a crossover trial with 2 intervention periods. Nineteen participants (mean age: 38 years) took 4 tablets/day of either olive pâté (corresponding to 30 mg/day of hydroxytyrosol) or placebo for 2 months followed by a 2-month washout and another 2 months of crossed over treatment.

Results: After the intervention with pâté, participants showed a statistically significant reduction in plasma levels of total cholesterol (-10.8 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol (-10.8 mg/dL) and urea (-4.1 mg/dL), and a significant increase in calcium levels (+0.3 mg/dL). Leukocyte response to exogenous oxidative stress was significantly reduced (-12.8%) and levels of the antioxidant transcription factor Nrf-2 increased by 88.9%. Plasma levels of the pro-inflammatory protein MCP-1 were significantly reduced (-9.0 pg/mL).

Conclusion: In conclusion, the intake of OlP showed positive effects on several cardiovascular risk factors, demonstrating the nutraceutical potential of a widely available but, to date, underestimated olive oil by-product.