Micronutrition in periodontal treatment: Antioxidants

Abstract

Nutritional factors are implicated in several systemic diseases and conditions, including overweight and obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis that are associated with periodontitis. Also, periodontitis is associated with low serum/plasma micronutrient levels. In recent years, strong evidence has emerged that diets rich in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats are pro-inflammatory, whereas those rich in polyunsaturated fats (fish oils), antioxidant micronutrients (fruits, berries and vegetables) are anti-inflammatory. Although numerous studies evaluated the relationship between micronutrients and periodontal disease, intervention studies in humans are scarce. In relation to periodontal disease, number of studies have been conducted and include vitamin C, vitamin E (tocopherol), carotenoids, polyphenols, flavonoids and other pyhtonutrients. There is a body of evidence from crosssectional studies that support the potential to improve periodontal outcomes by using dietary antioxidants. This lecture will discuss the possible role of some micronutrients in the etiology and therapy of periodontal diseases and makes recommendations for daily nutritional intake for vitamins and antioxidants.