Lipoprotein oxidation: the 'fruit and vegetable gradient' and heart disease.

Coronary heart disease is a major cause of premature death in Western societies. Oxidation of low density lipoproteins by oxygen free radicals provides a molecular link to the development of atherosclerosis. Free radical oxidations can usually be protected against by appropriate antioxidants. Recent studies suggest epidemiological correlations exist between the levels of plasma antioxidant vitamins and mortality from heart disease.