Target audience: Precisely segmented based on health needs
(I) Blood Pressure Management-Related Population
1. Prehypertension (Systolic blood pressure 120-129 mmHg, Diastolic blood pressure <80 mmHg)
In today’s fast-paced life, many people experience prehypertension due to long-term stress, poor dietary habits, and lack of exercise. For this group, hydroxytyrosol is a highly promising health-protecting ingredient. From a mechanism of action perspective, hydroxytyrosol acts like a diligent “vascular cleanser,” effectively scavenging free radicals in blood vessels through its powerful antioxidant capacity, reducing the attack and damage of free radicals on vascular endothelial cells, thereby maintaining the integrity and normal function of the vascular endothelium. Simultaneously, it actively promotes the production of nitric oxide (NO), which acts as a “vascular relaxant,” relaxing vascular smooth muscle and effectively reducing peripheral vascular resistance, thus maintaining blood pressure at a relatively stable level.
Clinical studies have also provided strong evidence for the benefits of hydroxytyrosol for people with prehypertension. A carefully designed randomized controlled trial selected a group of prehypertensive participants who supplemented with 10 mg of hydroxytyrosol (derived from olive leaf extract) daily for 8 weeks. Surprisingly, the participants’ systolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 5.3 mmHg, and their diastolic blood pressure decreased by 2.8 mmHg. This blood pressure-lowering effect was significantly better than that of the placebo control group. This clearly demonstrates that for individuals with prehypertension, appropriate hydroxytyrosol supplementation, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, can effectively delay the onset of hypertension and strengthen the cardiovascular system.
2. Mild Hypertension Patients (Stage 1 Hypertension, systolic blood pressure 130-139 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure 80-89 mmHg)
Patients with mild hypertension may not experience obvious symptoms in daily life, but the potential damage to blood vessels and the heart caused by hypertension is quietly progressing. In this case, hydroxytyrosol can work synergistically with non-pharmacological treatments such as dietary adjustments and regular exercise. From the perspective of its blood pressure-lowering mechanism, hydroxytyrosol can inhibit the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). ACE acts as a “catalyst” for vasoconstriction, promoting the production of angiotensin II (a potent vasoconstrictor). By inhibiting ACE, hydroxytyrosol can weaken the vasoconstrictive effect, thereby lowering blood pressure. This is similar to the mechanism of action of some antihypertensive drugs (such as ACE inhibitors). Simultaneously, hydroxytyrosol can enhance the activity of bradykinin. Bradykinin is a “vasodilator,” having the effect of dilating blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. Hydroxytyrosol, by inhibiting bradykinin-degrading enzymes (such as kallikrein II), prolongs the time that bradykinin exerts its effect in the body, further synergistically lowering blood pressure.
Multiple research data have also fully confirmed the positive effects of hydroxytyrosol on patients with mild hypertension. A meta-analysis of 11 studies showed that consuming olive oil or extracts rich in hydroxytyrosol reduced systolic blood pressure by 2.1-5.6 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.2-3.4 mmHg in patients with mild hypertension, demonstrating a significant blood pressure-lowering effect. Therefore, for patients with mild hypertension, incorporating hydroxytyrosol into daily life, combined with a healthy lifestyle, is a safe and effective adjunct to blood pressure management.
3. High-risk groups for hypertension (obese/diabetic/family history)
Obese individuals often experience fat accumulation and metabolic disorders. Excessive fat releases substances that affect blood pressure regulation, significantly increasing the risk of elevated blood pressure. Diabetic patients, due to long-term hyperglycemia, suffer damage to vascular endothelial cells, leading to thickened blood vessel walls and decreased elasticity, thus causing elevated blood pressure. Individuals with a family history of hypertension are genetically more susceptible to the condition. For these high-risk groups, hydroxytyrosol can play an important preventive role. It reduces free radical damage to blood vessels through its powerful antioxidant stress-reducing capabilities, while inhibiting the abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, effectively preventing vascular remodeling and reducing the risk of hypertension. Especially for high-risk individuals with metabolic abnormalities or a genetic predisposition, using hydroxytyrosol as a daily preventative supplement is like putting on a “protective layer,” which can delay or prevent the onset of hypertension to some extent, adding an extra layer of protection for health.
(II) Metabolic and Weight Management Groups
1. Those who need to control calorie intake
Controlling calorie intake is a key aspect of pursuing a healthy weight and a reasonable physique. For overweight and obese individuals, reducing calorie intake while maintaining quality of life and nutritional balance is not easy. Hydroxytyrosol, as a natural low-calorie sweetener, offers a new option for this group. Its sweetness is about 50% that of sucrose, but it has a lower calorie value, meaning that while satisfying people’s sweetness needs, it does not bring the excessive calorie burden of traditional sugars. When hydroxytyrosol is added to the daily diet as a substitute for traditional sugars, such as replacing white sugar in coffee and tea, or being used to make low-sugar desserts, one can enjoy the sweet taste while effectively reducing energy intake, thus helping to control weight. Moreover, because it does not cause drastic fluctuations in blood sugar, it avoids increased hunger and fat accumulation caused by blood sugar fluctuations, providing a more stable metabolic environment for weight management. It is a powerful assistant for people who need to control their calorie intake to achieve healthy weight loss goals.
2. Diabetic Patients
Managing blood sugar for diabetic patients is like a “protracted war” that requires constant vigilance. In addition to strictly following medical advice for medication and dietary control, seeking auxiliary methods to optimize blood sugar management is crucial. Hydroxytyrosol has several positive effects for diabetic patients. On the one hand, it does not significantly raise blood sugar levels, giving diabetic patients more peace of mind when making dietary choices, without worrying about blood sugar out of control due to hydroxytyrosol intake. On the other hand, diabetic patients, due to long-term hyperglycemia, produce a large number of free radicals in their bodies. These free radicals attack vascular endothelial cells, causing vascular damage, which is a common and serious complication of diabetes. Hydroxytyrosol, with its powerful antioxidant properties, can effectively scavenge free radicals in the body, reduce oxidative stress damage to blood vessels, and help improve vascular damage related to glucose metabolism. Working synergistically with conventional methods such as diet control, it better helps diabetic patients manage blood sugar, prevent complications, and improve their quality of life, thus safeguarding their health.
(III) General Health Maintenance Population
1. Adults Focused on Cardiovascular Health
As people age, especially into middle and old age, their cardiovascular system faces more challenges. Decreased vascular elasticity and abnormal blood lipids follow, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. For sedentary office workers, prolonged sitting at a desk and lack of exercise slows blood circulation, making it easier for lipids to deposit in blood vessels. Those with high-salt diets also experience increased sodium ions, leading to water and sodium retention, increased blood volume, and consequently, increased cardiac burden and elevated blood pressure. All these factors threaten their cardiovascular health. Hydroxytyrosol acts as a “loyal guardian” of the cardiovascular system, precisely protecting vascular endothelial cells, maintaining normal endothelial function, and ensuring good vascular elasticity and permeability. Meanwhile, hydroxytyrosol can synergistically work with oleic acid and other components abundant in olive oil to regulate blood lipid levels, lower cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the blood, reduce lipid deposition on blood vessel walls, and prevent atherosclerosis. Therefore, for adults concerned about cardiovascular health, especially middle-aged and elderly people, sedentary individuals, and those with high-salt diets, moderate daily intake of foods rich in hydroxytyrosol (such as olive oil and olive leaf extract) or nutritional supplements containing hydroxytyrosol can provide additional protection for cardiovascular health, keeping the “engine” of life—the cardiovascular system—functioning well.
2. Applicable Scenarios for Food Additives
In the modern food industry, consumers have increasingly higher requirements for the safety and naturalness of food additives. Hydroxytyrosol, as a natural food additive, functions as a humectant and stabilizer, and has unique application value in the food processing field. Adding hydroxytyrosol to ice cream effectively improves its texture and taste, making it smoother and more delicate. It also extends shelf life and reduces quality degradation caused by moisture loss and ice crystal growth during storage. In baked goods, hydroxytyrosol enhances dough stability, improves the texture of baked goods, making them softer and more palatable, and helps maintain color and flavor, thus improving the consumer’s sensory experience. For consumers seeking natural food additives, hydroxytyrosol’s natural sources and beneficial effects make it an ideal choice. However, it’s important to note that the EU stipulates that hydroxytyrosol “should not be used in cooking, baking, or frying.” This is because its chemical structure may change during high-temperature cooking, leading to a reduction in its biological activity and function. Therefore, its use must strictly adhere to relevant regulations to ensure its safety and effectiveness in food, allowing consumers to enjoy the health benefits of hydroxytyrosol with peace of mind.
Special Considerations for Certain Populations
(I) Contraindications
1. Infants, Pregnant Women, and Lactating Women
Infants are in a critical stage of rapid growth and development. Their organs and systems are not yet fully mature, especially metabolic organs such as the liver and kidneys, which are still very fragile. Hydroxytyrosol, as a relatively special component, has shown many health benefits in adults, but its safety and suitability for infants and young children remain largely unknown. Ingesting it without proper guidance may burden their already delicate metabolic organs, interfere with normal physiological metabolic processes, and potentially have adverse effects on their physical development.
Pregnant women and lactating women have a special physical condition. They not only need to maintain their own physiological functions but also provide sufficient nutrition and a suitable growth environment for the fetus or infant. During pregnancy, a pregnant woman’s metabolism and hormone levels undergo significant changes. Whether hydroxytyrosol intake at this time will affect fetal growth and development through the placenta or interfere with the pregnant woman’s hormonal balance is currently unclear due to insufficient research evidence. During lactation, substances ingested by the mother may be passed to the infant through breast milk. However, due to a lack of relevant research, the safety of hydroxytyrosol for infants cannot be determined. Therefore, to maximize the health and safety of infants, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women, the EU explicitly stipulates that children under 3 years old, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women should not consume foods containing hydroxytyrosol to avoid potential risks.
2. Patients with Moderate to Severe Hypertension
Patients with moderate to severe hypertension have high blood pressure levels, with systolic blood pressure reaching 140 mmHg or higher or diastolic blood pressure reaching 90 mmHg or higher. At this level, hypertension already causes significant damage to various organs, putting immense pressure on vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. For these patients, standardized drug treatment is crucial for controlling blood pressure and reducing complications. Currently, there are various antihypertensive drugs available clinically, such as calcium channel blockers, ACEIs, and ARBs. These drugs have undergone extensive clinical research and practical verification, demonstrating clear antihypertensive effects and safety. While hydroxytyrosol has some effect on lowering blood pressure, its effect is relatively limited and cannot replace regular antihypertensive medications. If patients with moderate to severe hypertension rely solely on hydroxytyrosol to control their blood pressure without following their doctor’s advice to use antihypertensive drugs, their blood pressure may not be effectively controlled, potentially leading to serious complications such as cerebral hemorrhage, acute myocardial infarction, and renal failure, posing a serious threat to their lives and health. Therefore, patients with moderate to severe hypertension must strictly follow their doctor’s instructions and use hydroxytyrosol only as an adjunct to their medication. They should only utilize its potential health benefits while ensuring stable blood pressure control, and should not delay treatment due to concerns about potential health risks.
(II) Safety Boundaries
1. Intake Reference
The intake of hydroxytyrosol by the human body needs to be scientifically controlled. Currently, relevant research and practice provide a certain reference range, generally recommending a daily intake of 5-20 mg of hydroxytyrosol through olive oil or supplements. In daily life, extra virgin olive oil is an important dietary source of hydroxytyrosol. An intake of 5-20 mg of hydroxytyrosol is roughly equivalent to 20-100 g of extra virgin olive oil. However, the tolerance and optimal intake of hydroxytyrosol in the human body are affected by individual differences. Different people have different physical conditions and metabolic capacities, and their responses to hydroxytyrosol may vary. Furthermore, the safety of excessive intake of hydroxytyrosol is currently unclear. Excessive intake may have potential adverse effects on the body, such as increasing the metabolic burden on the liver and kidneys and affecting their normal function. Therefore, when consuming hydroxytyrosol, whether through dietary olive oil or by taking supplements containing hydroxytyrosol, it is recommended to follow the instructions on the product label and carefully control the intake according to individual circumstances to ensure the safe and effective health benefits of hydroxytyrosol.
2. Drug Interactions
When hydroxytyrosol is used in combination with other medications, the potential effects of drug interactions need to be carefully monitored. When hydroxytyrosol is used in combination with ACEIs (such as captopril and enalapril) and ARBs (such as losartan and valsartan), the combined effect may be enhanced because hydroxytyrosol itself has a certain antihypertensive effect, while ACEIs and ARBs also lower blood pressure by regulating the angiotensin system. The mechanisms of action of these two drugs are synergistic, so their combined use may enhance the antihypertensive effect. If this enhanced effect is not properly controlled, it can easily lead to excessively low blood pressure, causing symptoms of hypotension such as dizziness, weakness, and palpitations. In severe cases, it can even lead to syncope, affecting blood perfusion to vital organs and harming health. Therefore, when using hydroxytyrosol simultaneously with ACEIs or ARBs, patients must closely monitor blood pressure changes and adjust the dosage promptly according to blood pressure fluctuations. Ideally, this should be done under the professional guidance and close monitoring of a physician to ensure that blood pressure remains stable within a safe and reasonable range. In addition to interactions with antihypertensive drugs, hydroxytyrosol may also affect the efficacy of other drugs or cause adverse reactions when used in combination with other medications. Therefore, it is recommended that patients consult a professional physician before using these medications, informing the physician of all medications they are currently taking and their hydroxytyrosol intake, so that the physician can comprehensively assess the risks and provide reasonable medication advice to ensure medication safety.
Scientific Basis and Authoritative Certification Support
Scientific Basis and Authoritative Certification Support(I) Evidence-Based Medicine
1. Clinical Research Support
Numerous clinical studies have provided solid evidence for the positive effects of hydroxytyrosol on human health. In a carefully designed randomized controlled trial targeting individuals with mild to moderate hypertension, researchers divided subjects into two groups: one group received a supplement rich in hydroxytyrosol-containing olive leaf extract, and the other group received a placebo. After a period of observation, the results showed that the group taking the hydroxytyrosol supplement experienced an average reduction of 4.5 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and an average reduction of 2.2 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure. Furthermore, no significant adverse reactions were observed throughout the trial, fully demonstrating the antihypertensive effect and safety of hydroxytyrosol in individuals with mild to moderate hypertension. To further verify the antihypertensive effect of hydroxytyrosol, researchers conducted a meta-analysis, synthesizing data from multiple related studies. The results showed that hydroxytyrosol had a particularly significant effect on controlling systolic blood pressure, reducing it by 2-6 mmHg, and this antihypertensive effect showed good consistency across different studies. This series of clinical studies and meta-analyses strongly confirms the effectiveness and reliability of hydroxytyrosol in blood pressure management, providing a scientific clinical basis for its application in related fields.
2. Clear Mechanism of Action
The health benefits of hydroxytyrosol stem from its unique and comprehensive mechanism of action. Through multi-target synergistic action, it safeguards human health. From an antioxidant perspective, hydroxytyrosol acts as a “natural enemy” of free radicals in the body. With its powerful antioxidant capacity, it can quickly bind to and eliminate free radicals, effectively reducing oxidative damage to cells and tissues. For example, in vascular endothelial cells, free radicals attack cellular lipids, proteins, and DNA, leading to impaired cell function. Hydroxytyrosol can promptly eliminate these free radicals, protecting the integrity and normal function of vascular endothelial cells and maintaining healthy blood vessels.
In terms of anti-inflammation, hydroxytyrosol can inhibit the release of inflammatory factors and regulate inflammation-related signaling pathways. When the body experiences an inflammatory response, it produces inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These inflammatory factors trigger a series of inflammatory reactions, damaging tissues and organs. Hydroxytyrosol can reduce the production and release of inflammatory factors by inhibiting the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways such as NF-κB, thereby alleviating the damage caused by inflammation. Hydroxytyrosol can also actively regulate vasoactive substances, inhibiting the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), reducing the production of angiotensin II, and weakening the vasoconstrictive effect. Simultaneously, it can promote the production of nitric oxide (NO), an important vasodilator that relaxes vascular smooth muscle, reduces peripheral vascular resistance, and thus lowers blood pressure. Furthermore, hydroxytyrosol can also help lower blood pressure by inhibiting calcium influx, reducing the entry of extracellular calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle cells, decreasing smooth muscle contractility, and causing vasodilation. This multi-target synergistic mechanism allows hydroxytyrosol to exert its health benefits from multiple aspects, unlike single-component ingredients that only act on a single target, resulting in a more comprehensive and significant effect.
(II) International Regulatory Recognition
1. EU Novel Food Ingredient Certification
In 2017, the Official Journal of the European Union published European Commission Decision 2017/2373, officially authorizing hydroxytyrosol as a novel food ingredient in oil and fat products, pursuant to European Parliament and Council (EC) Regulation 258/97. This certification is significant, as it clarifies the legal status of hydroxytyrosol in the food sector. The EU has imposed strict regulations on the scope and limits of hydroxytyrosol’s use. In fish oil and vegetable oils (excluding olive oil and olive pomace oil as defined in Annex VII, Part VIII of Regulation No 1308/2013), the maximum usage limit is 0.215 g/kg; in greases (as defined in Annex VII, Part VII of Regulation 1308/2013), the maximum usage limit is 0.175 g/kg. Furthermore, to ensure consumer health and safety, the EU requires labels to state: “1. This product is not suitable for children under 3 years of age, breastfeeding women, or pregnant women. 2. This product is not intended for cooking, baking, or frying.” These regulations ensure the safe and reasonable use of hydroxytyrosol in food and reflect the EU’s rigorous and scientific approach to regulating new food resources.
2. Natural Food Additive Properties
As a natural food additive, hydroxytyrosol has many advantages, meeting modern consumers’ demands for clean labels and natural, healthy foods. Hydroxytyrosol not only possesses antioxidant and antibacterial properties, effectively extending the shelf life of food and maintaining its quality and flavor, but it can also be used as a low-calorie sweetener and functional ingredient in the development of various health foods and dietary supplements. However, due to differences in food safety standards across countries and regions, the use of hydroxytyrosol as a food additive must strictly adhere to the relevant standards and regulations of each country. For example, in China, the use of food additives must comply with a series of regulations and standards, such as the “National Food Safety Standard for the Use of Food Additives” (GB 2760), to ensure that its use in food will not harm consumers’ health, while simultaneously guaranteeing food quality and safety, allowing consumers to enjoy foods containing hydroxytyrosol with peace of mind.
