Higher Dietary Antioxidant Index Is Associated with Better Lipid Profile in Women with Coronary Artery Disease

Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with coronary artery disease (CAD) being the most prevalent. An atherogenic diet contributes to oxidative stress by promoting lipid peroxidation in lipoproteins and cellular membranes, thereby compromising membrane integrity, which is reflected in lower phase angle (PhA) values. Dietary antioxidants play a crucial role in cellular health and in reducing atherosclerotic risk; therefore, the Dietary Antioxidant Index (DAI) is an important measure, as dietary antioxidants may counteract oxidative damage. This study aimed to assess the association between anthropometric, PhA, and biochemical variables across groups classified according to DAI. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study. A total of 107 subjects, with and without CAD, were included. Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and oxidized HDL (oxHDL) were determined using the ELISA technique. PhA was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and DAI was calculated using the formula proposed by Wright et al. Results: DAI was positively associated with HDL concentrations in women with CAD, indicating that HDL levels increased by 5.8 mg/dL for each unit increase in DAI (R2 = 0.625, p = 0.001). Furthermore, for each unit increase in DAI, the TC/HDL ratio decreased by 0.3 (R2 = 0.625, p = 0.006), and the LDL/HDL ratio decreased by 0.2 (R2 = 0.506, p = 0.012). Conclusions: A higher DAI is associated with a more favorable lipid profile in women with CAD, particularly with higher HDL concentrations and lower TC/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios.