Clinical studies in the EUROLIVE Study

Within the EUROLIVE Study, 6 clinical trials were performed with three similar olive oils, different only in their phenolic content: virgin (phenolic content = 366 ppm), common (phenolic content =164 ppm), and refined (phenolic content = 2.7 ppm). Participants were from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, and Spain. 186 healthy, male non-smoking volunteers were recruited. Volunteers received one of the three types of olive oil during 3 weeks (daily dose= 25 mL) , separated by 2 week periods (washout periods) in which no olive oil was consumed. In order to avoid interference of the type of olive oil consumed, participants were divided in 3 orders of olive oil administration (see Figure). Up to date laboratory analyses are being performed.

The following laboratory parameters will be measured in the samples of the clinical trial volunteers:

1. Tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol in urine as markers of the consumption of olive oil with phenolic compounds
2. Markers of Lipid Oxidation. Oxidation of lipids is an important step for atherosclerosis development
3. Markers of DNA oxidation. DNA oxidation is related with cancer and also with ageing
4. Other cardiovascular risk factors related with the lipid profile ingestion

Tyrosol and Hydroxytyrosol in urine as markers of the consumption of olive oil with phenolic compounts

Other cardiovascular risk markers; Fatty acids in LDL; Serum-Cholerterol; LDL -Cholerterol; HDL-Cholerterol; triglycerides.