Vitamin C and Air Pollution

A healthy dose of vitamin C may be able to fight off the effects of air pollution, according to a new study. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables seems to be good for the lungs.
Researched found hospital patients who suffered from asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in London had low level of vitamin C. Their risk for breathing problems also increased when air pollution levels were high.
The study was included 209 patients between 2008 and 2010. Most of the patients were between ages 54 and 74, though some were as young as 18. Many of them were also former smokers.
“This study adds to a small but growing body of evidence that the effects of air pollution might be modified by antioxidants,” said Michael Brauer, an environmental health scientist at the University of British Columbia in Canada.
Some of these antioxidants include vitamin C, found in many fruits and vegetables. These antioxidants may protect the body from free radicals, which are harmful molecules that damage cells. Free radicals form when air pollution enters the lungs. This can potentially lead to heart disease, cancer and even respiratory illnesses.
The antioxidants bind to free radicals and counteract them before they cause damage.
The researchers paid particular attention to course particulate matter levels. This is produced through the combustion of fossil fuels. The course particulate matter comes from car exhaust and power plants.
The study showed that lung conditions increased as course particle matter increased. The researchers found that with every increase in course particulate matter of 10 micrograms per cubic meter (mcg/m3), there was a 35 percent increased risk of hospital admission for people with asthma or COPD.
For those who had low levels of vitamin C, the risk of being admitted to a hospital was 1.2 times greater.
“The protective effect of vitamin C was still present after excluding smokers and elderly subjects, implying that the effect of this antioxidant was not explained by smoking or age,” Study researcher Cristina Canova said.
Smokers and elderly patients have lower levels of nutrients than those who didn’t smoke.
Those who are concerned should include things such as citrus fruits, broccoli, and spinach in their diet as they are good sources of Vitamin C.
Researchers are not yet sure if this link between Vitamin C and respiratory diseases still holds true for those who don’t already have the diseases.
The study is published in the July issue of the journal Epidemiology.

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Vitamin D linked to immune system genetics

Researchers have long hypothesized vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor for a wide range of diseases, including cancer, arthritis, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. More in question was “Why?”, which led to the conclusion – albeit relatively difficult to prove – that vitamin D influenced one’s genetic predisposition.
A new study out of Europe might have some of the answers. According to researchers from Norway, the positive impact of vitamin D does go all the way to one’s genetic makeup.
The study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that “several immunological processes, immune cell functions and major signaling pathways were differentially regulated according to vitamin D status”:

The majority of genes [studied] were associated with vitamin D deficiency, in line with the hypothesis that vitamin D limits pathological immune responses that may ultimately lead to hypersensitivity or autoimmunity.

Studies on the benefits of Vitamin Dare extensive, and debate is continuing on how much vitamin D one should take. According to guidelines from the U.S. Institute of Medicine, people should consume between 200 and 600 international units (IUs) of vitamin D daily. However, there is mounting evidence from researchers around the world that higher intakes of vitamin D help in numerous areas of health.

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The Awesome Health Benefits of Probiotics

Probiotics have been a pretty hot topic of conversation lately – and if you haven’t heard about them, you’re missing out. Probiotics are often referred to as “the good bacteria” and that’s exactly what they are. They help keep your digestive tract satisfied and balanced by promoting regular bowels and maintaining healthy colon cells. While probiotics can be found in lots of foods like yogurt, miso soup and sauerkraut, you can also take probiotics as a supplement to increase your digestive health. If you want to kickstart a healthy routine, check out this list of the awesomehealth benefits of probiotics.

The Awesome Health Benefits of Probiotics

• Support healthy digestion by helping to produce digestive enzymes.
• Help to form essential vitamins like B and K.
• Support a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria (especially after a round of antibiotics).
• Stimulate the immune system – helping it to resist infection.
• Vital contribution to overall well-being.

Combined with digestive enzymes, these supplements can change your life.

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nutraMetrix DNA Mircacles chewable probiotics provides five different strains and five billion active probiotic organisms. nutraMetrix Might-A-Mins Spectrum Probiotics promotes healthy digestion in children by providing beneficial bacteria to support a healthy GI tract, while also promoting a healthy immune system.*  Many products claim to provide billions of live probiotic organisms at the time of manufacture but these products are useless unless the organisms are alive when they arrive to you. . nutraMetrix Might-A-Mins Spectrum Probiotics uses LiveBac® technology - a process that helps make our product less susceptible to the effects of these damaging factors and extends the shelf life of our product.  

 nutraMetrix Digestive Enzyme Formula with Probiotics helps replenish the essential enzymes (amylase, protease, cellulose, lactase, lipase, maltase, and sucrase) and "good" bacteria (Lactobacillus sporogenes) necessary for maximum absorption of nutrients from the food we eat. It acts to supplement and maximize the activity of the body’s own enzymes in an easy-to-take, pleasant tasting drink.  In today’s world of processed and "fast" foods, our bodies need to work harder to break down the same nutritional content as it may have just a few years ago

DNA Miracles Isotonix Digestive Enzymes   is uniquely formulated to aid children needing additional digestive support. promotes stomach comfort and bowel regularity in children by enhancing enzymatic breakdown of food. The enzymes in this product work to cleave proteins during digestion, making them smaller and easier to digest. Not only does this promote normal digestion and absorption of nutrients, it also promotes bowel regularity.  Poor digestion goes beyond abdominal discomfort. There is a proposed connection between the function of the digestive system and the brain. Research suggests that promoting normal digestion may in turn support physical health. 

 Any probiotics health benefits you have noticed and want to share?

Heart Disease: Prevalence and Prevention

by Dr. Robert Blair

By the time they reach their 40s, one in two men and one in three women will have developed heart disease. This disorder remains the number one cause of death in the United States, and is comprised of a number of interrelated conditions, including irregular heartbeat, chronic chest pain, arthrosclerosis and heart attack. The primary risk factors for heart disease consist of some factors beyond our control—such as age and family history—but many others that are either lifestyle-related, such as smoking, physical inactivity and stress, or that relate more directly to nutrition. These include high LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol, uncontrolled blood sugar and obesity.

Each year, the American Heart Association, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), compiles the most up-to-date statistics on heart and cardiovascular diseases and publishes it in their Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics update. Despite the extensive body of knowledge accumulated by the medical and scientific communities and distributed to the public, heart disease remains the leading cause of death among both men and women. According to the Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics – 2013 Update:

• Approximately 635,000 Americans will have a new coronary event this year, while about 280,000 Americans will have a recurrent coronary event.
• In 2009, coronary heart disease was responsible for approximately one of every six deaths in the U.S.
• About every 34 seconds in the U.S., a coronary event will occur.
• About every 60 seconds in the U.S., someone will die of a coronary event.

While these numbers remain astounding, deaths from coronary heart disease have actually fallen since 1968. An analysis of death rates between 1980 and 2000 showed that 47 percent of the decrease in coronary heart disease deaths was due to new and improved medical treatments. Another 44 percent of the decrease in deaths from heart disease was due to reductions in heart disease risk factors.
While there are a number of medical treatments for heart disease (revascularization for chronic angina, blood pressure medicines, and cholesterol-lowering medicines), making appropriate lifestyle changes is a critical step in preventing heart disease. Lifestyle changes that address the modifiable risk factors include:

• Eating Healthy—Our dietary habits have a major impact on our blood cholesterol levels. According to the CDC, about 33 percent of American adults have high blood levels of LDL-cholesterol. Individuals with high LDL-cholesterol levels are at nearly twice the risk for heart disease than individuals with healthy LDL-cholesterol levels. Foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium increase LDL-cholesterol and thus our risk for heart disease. We can lower our blood levels of LDL cholesterol by reducing our intake of foods rich in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium, while at the same time increasing our consumption of whole grains, soluble fiber, fruits & vegetables, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

• Exercise—Regular exercise has been reported to both lower triglycerides and raise HDL-cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol. Studies suggest that a minimum of 120 minutes of aerobic exercise is needed weekly to raise HDL-cholesterol. Aim for HDL-cholesterol levels of at least greater than 40 mg/dL, though raising the level to over 60 mg/dL can actually decrease heart disease risk. In addition to cholesterol benefits, exercise helps reduce blood pressure.

• Quit Smoking—If you smoke, your risk of developing coronary heart disease increases 2 – 4 times that of nonsmokers. In addition to its direct effects on heart disease risk, smoking also worsens other heart disease risk factors, compounding the effects of smoking. Fortunately, by quitting smoking one can dramatically reduce their heart disease risk over time.

• Lose Weight—Excess body weight is another major risk factor for coronary heart disease; however, this relationship is complex and not fully understood. It has been reported that excess body weight is not only linked to coronary heart disease, but also to abnormal heart rate and ventricular function. Therefore, obtaining and maintaining a healthy body weight with a body mass index below 25 is an important step to reducing coronary heart disease.

The American Heart Association offers more detailed information and downloadable fact sheets if you want to read more about these and other lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of heart disease.
Another way to combat coronary heart disease is to take dietary supplements. Some dietary supplements can be a useful tool, especially when combined with the lifestyle changes discussed above. Some of the best dietary supplements for supporting heart health and thus reducing one’s risk for coronary heart disease include omega-3 fatty acids, red yeast rice, astaxanthin, plant stanols/sterols, and polymethoxyflavones.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids—Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are well known for a number of potential health benefits including heart health. In addition to potential cholesterol-lowering benefits, omega-3 fatty acids have been reported to be associated with a decreased risk for nonfatal heart attacks in women, a reduction in heart disease risk factors, and heart failure – free survival in heart attack patients.

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Red Yeast Rice—One recent study reported that daily consumption of red yeast rice for 16 weeks reduced LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol in patients with high cholesterol levels. In a comparison study, red yeast rice lowered LDL-cholesterol by 30 percent while pravastatin lowered LDL-cholesterol by 27percent. It has also been suggested that red yeast rice might help reduce the risk for nonfatal myocardial infarction and total coronary heart disease events.






In traditional Chinese culture, red yeast rice was believed to promote various areas of health. The production of nutraMetrix Red Yeast Rice adheres to only the highest standards of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). This stringent standardization in processing, packaging, testing and quality control ensures quality and reliability.
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Astaxanthin—Astaxanthin is a natural carotenoid with antioxidant properties. Research studies have reported that astaxanthin supplementation can lower LDL-cholesterol, raise HDL-cholesterol, and reduce lipid oxidation. Furthermore, astaxanthin supplementation might help reduce blood pressure. Each of these changes can be beneficial for heart health.



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Polymethoxylated Flavones—Polymethoxylated flavones such as nobiletin and tangeretin are antioxidant compounds found in a variety of citrus fruits including oranges and tangerines. Animal studies suggest that polymethoxylated flavones might beneficially modulate receptors for LDL-cholesterol and reduce total and LDL-cholesterol. Additionally, a proprietary blend of polymethoxylated flavones and tocotrienols has been reported to reduce blood levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides in individuals with elevated blood cholesterol.

While medical treatments are an important part of reducing cholesterols levels and heart disease risk for many people, lifestyle modifications that include exercise, healthy eating and dietary supplementation can be an appropriate and effective first step to reducing heart disease risk for many others. Working closely with your personal health professional to determine which the best approach is for you is an important step to a healthy heart.

Vitamin Supplement Delivery Systems: What to Look For

Choosing the right vitamin supplement is more than just looking at the ingredients. The form in which the supplement is in can make all the difference in the quality of the supplement you are receiving.

Normally, when you ingest a daily vitamin or nutritional supplement tablet, your body must work for up to four hours digesting and absorbing the vitamins and nutrients. During this lengthy breakdown process, a percentage of the nutritive value is lost. Even still, some supplement products do not even break down due to harsh fillers and binders, but pass to the small intestine. When this takes place, none of the contents of the supplement can be absorbed by the body. This is one reason the bioavailability of pills and capsules are significantly lower than isotonic-capable supplements.

Tablets & Capsules: One thing to watch out for in tablets and capsules are binders and fillers. Binders and fillers can include lubricants and disintegrates to aid the body in absorption, but these are added ingredients that your body does not need.

Gummies & Chewables: Gummy and chewable supplements can be appealing because of their colors and tastes, but most are very high in sugars and have fewer active ingredients, making them less effective in delivering the maximum benefit.

Liquids: If you do not like swallowing tablets or chewing chewables, a liquid supplement may be for you. Liquids may also have a great taste but, many liquid supplements include preservatives that can interfere with the active ingredients.

Isotonic: Isotonic, meaning “same pressure,” bears the same chemical resemblance of the body’s blood, plasma and tears. This means that the body has less work to do to obtain maximum absorption of the nutrients. The isotonic state of the suspension allows nutrients to pass directly into the small intestine and rapidly absorb into the bloodstream. Little nutritive value is lost, making the absorption of nutrients highly efficient while delivering maximum results with great flavor as well.

Everything you eat and drink, including nutritional supplements, must be made isotonic before passing into your small intestine where it can be absorbed.   When you eat food, drink a beverage, or take a pill or capsule, your stomach must first secrete diluting juices, enzymes, hydrochloric acid, and at least one vitamin-binding protein to continue the process of digestion. Muscular contractions of your stomach then mix the contents until a reasonably uniform solution is achieved. This process can take anywhere from 40 minutes to four hours.

The longer a supplement stays in the stomach, the longer the time before absorption can begin, because no appreciable absorption occurs from the stomach. Often the rate-limiting step in the absorption process is the time it takes for the tablet or capsule to disintegrate, and the nutrients to dissolve and equilibrate to the proper (isotonic) state to leave the stomach. When all this has been completed — up to 40 minutes after ingestion — the diluted, acid-attacked nutrients can enter the small intestine for absorption.

Nutrients that are already isotonic do not need to be broken down into an isotonic state. Therefore, gastric emptying occurs more rapidly. Biological sensors in the gastrointestinal tract detect that the ingested solution is isotonic and at a correct pH. This causes the pyloric valve at the lower end of the stomach to remain open, allowing the concentrated solution to be squirted into the small intestine by stomach contractions. Absorption of the nutrients by the intestinal mucosa then starts to occur.

Low Levels of Omega-3 May Increase Postpartum Depression Risk

Low levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may moderately increase women's risk of developing postpartum depression (PPD), a literature review suggests.
Gabriel Shapiro, MPH, and colleagues from the University of Montreal and the Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada, report that the review shows several carefully conducted studies that indicate an association between the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) genotype and PPD.
"The literature shows that there could be a link between pregnancy, omega-3, and the chemical reaction that enables serotonin, a mood regulator, to be released into our brains. And many women could bring their omega-3 intake to recommended levels," they said in a release.
The 5-HTT gene modulates the reuptake of 5-HT at brain synapses and is the main neurobiologic feature of depression. The 5-HTT gene is also the target of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Several studies that investigated depressive symptoms after delivery showed a significant positive association between depressive symptoms and either 5-HTT expression levels at 8 weeks postpartum or the presence of the short allele carrier status of the 5-HTT gene and PPD.
"Few studies have studied by the 5-HTT gene and omega-3 together, so what we see are 2 parallel links in both of these literatures, and there is a link between omega-3 fatty acids and either depression or PPD," principal investigator Jean Séguin, PhD, Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, told Medscape Medical News.
"So the link with 5-HTT is the one we are going to look into further to see if supplementing women with proper nutrition would attenuate the risk," he added
The study is published in the November issue of the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry.
Social Risk Factors
Social risk factors that predict PPD include a strained marital relationship, low social support, and stress life events. A family history of depression or mood disorders is also implicated in the development of PDD.
Beyond social influences, one key environmental factor may be nutrition, so the researchers focused on the 5-HTT genotype and omega-3 PUFA status.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are the 2 main families of essential fatty acids, but the omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is an important building block of the central nervous system (CNS) in infants.
Its availability during pregnancy and lactation may also influence maternal mental health and, later, childhood developmental outcomes.
As for omega-3 fatty acids and PPD, the authors note that omega-3 fatty acids directly affect brain activities, including neurotransmitter uptake.
Because omega-3 fatty acids stores are transferred from the mother to the fetus during gestation and lactation, levels of maternal omega-3 fatty acids decline during pregnancy and remain low at least 6 weeks into the postpartum period.
Intake of omega-3 fatty acids in the North American diet in general is already well below recommended levels, and this is particularly true for pregnant women.
In fact, the investigators estimate that it would take a 4-fold increase in fish consumption to bring intake of several key fatty acids up to recommended levels.
Results of intervention studies in general have not demonstrated any benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation during pregnancy for the prevention or treatment of perinatal depression.
On the other hand, Dr. Séguin and colleagues would disagree, suggesting that clinical trials of omega-3 supplementation in patients with major depressive disorder have demonstrated clinical benefit, even if this benefit is only moderate.
The Montreal group also suggest that if pregnant women are unsure if they are getting enough omega-3 in their diet or if they are at risk for PDD, they should discuss these issues with their family doctor or obstetrician.
Health Canada, a federal department in Canada responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health, has a Web site with a special section on omega-3 intake for pregnant women.
Need to Learn More
Nada Stotland, MD, past president of the American Psychiatric Association, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, told Medscape Medical News that the "study is important, but it's also very clear that we need to learn more about this possible link between omega-3 fatty acids and PPD."

 

"My concern is that people will read it as a definitive answer when the study is saying exactly the opposite of that," Dr. Stotland said.
Dr. Stotland noted that the authors themselves are suggesting there may be a link between low levels of omega-3 fatty acids and the risk for PDD, but they conclude only that this is a very fertile area for further study.
"We don't want to make people who suffer from PDD think that if only they had eaten differently, all would have been well," Dr. Stotland emphasized.
On the other hand, any intervention that could decrease the rate and severity of PDD "would be a big boon to everybody — not only to mothers but to their children and families as well."

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Cognitive Health

The brain is a complex organ that acts as the control center of the body. Many factors affect how the brain works physically, how that affects the body, and how a person perceives how they are at any given time. Dietary intake, health, chemical or environmental agents, and supplementation can affect the functioning of the brain.
The brain is responsible for the regulation and control of all bodily activities and functions. The average human brain weighs approximately 3 lbs and contains 50-100 billion nerve cells. These cells transmit information back and forth by electrical or chemical signaling (neurotransmitters). The brain is responsible for controlling emotions and moods, as well as how a person acts, thinks, reasons, learns, and remembers through physical means. It allows the body to understand and process what is seen, heard, tasted, and smelled. The brain also controls heart rate, breathing, muscle contracts, coordination, and much more.
Factors that affect brain health
Nutrition and energy sources
The brain cells, as do all cells in the body, need energy to survive and work optimally. The cells of the brain use approximately 20% of the energy used by the body. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the main energy source for the majority of cellular functions and reactions. It also plays a role in signal transmission from cell-to-cell within the brain. To fuel the production of ATP the body and brain uses food energy sources such as carbohydrates and fats. Vitamins and minerals are also needed as they act as co-factors and co-enzymes in the reactions that allow for the metabolism of food sources, the formation and use of ATP, and many other physiological reactions.
Neurotransmitters, comprised of amino acids derived from protein, play important roles in stimulating reactions directed by the brain. Neurotransmitters are important in regulating learning and memory, movement, mood, behavior, sleep, appetite, alertness and much more. A diet that provides carbohydrates, proteins, fats and the right amounts of vitamins and minerals is necessary to support healthy brain and body functions.
Free Radical Damage
Free radicals are products of many physiological reactions and environmental factors such as smoking or pollution. A free radical is a highly reactive molecule or atom with an unpaired electron in its outer shell. The unpaired electron will always look to pair up with another electron in order to stabilize the molecule. As free radicals move throughout the body, they capture electrons from other cells, thereby destabilizing those cells and creating more radicals. These radicals can cause damage, impaired activity, or death in other cells. Free radical damage has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and other health issues.
Antioxidants are thought to help protect the body by neutralizing free radicals and reducing the occurrence of radical damage. Antioxidants work on radicals by donating the necessary electron needed to stabilize them. Antioxidants themselves are stable compounds and cannot become free radicals even after losing an electron. Research has shown that supplementing with antioxidants may have beneficial affects on diseased states and their progression.
Aging
Aging can affect the brain in many ways. The ability to make and retain memories decline, neural function declines, neurotransmitter production is decreased, and the structure of the brain changes. These changes affect a person’s way of life, their habits, and their relationships with other people. Aging also increases the risk for developing common neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cerebrovascular disease and more.
Keeping the brain and body active, eating a healthy diet, and keeping a positive outlook has been shown to be important in reducing the effects of aging on the brain. Doing mind challenging puzzles and games, taking in the right amounts of vitamins and minerals, and exercising are just some strategies suggested for keeping a more youthful brain.
Health Conditions
Several health conditions have been shown to affect brain health. Hypercholesterolemia, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and diabetes are just a few health conditions that can degrade brain health. These conditions can affect blood and nutrient flow to the brain, structure and function of the brain, and even contribute to the death of neurons within the brain.
Depression, mental illness, and excess stress can also affect the brain. These can result from actual imbalances within the functioning of the brain or body, or through life-induced occurrences and perceptions.

Supplementation

 Several natural products have been proven to be beneficial for keeping the brain healthy, alert and active.
Ashwagandha and Rhodiola Rosea: Both appear to promote a decrease in stress, an increase in mental clarity, and to inhibit the feeling of fatigue. They appear to influence the levels and activities of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine, and serotonin.


TLS ACTS Adrenal, Cortisol, Thyroid & Stress Support Formula, specially formulated with Rhodiola and Ashwagandha, works specifically to promote healthy adrenal gland function, cortisol levels and thyroid function to help control stress levels and minimize weight gain that is associated with increased stress
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Caffeine: Appears to promote alertness, stimulate memory and brain activity, and increases glucose and lipid metabolism. Research shows that caffeine may have some protective affect on neurotransmitter receptors within the brain.
Gingko: Gingko provides some antioxidant protection against free radicals for neurons and brain tissue which might help to prevent progression of tissue degeneration. It also appears to improve microcirculation within the central nervous system (CNS) which improves the flow of blood and nutrients to brain cells. Gingko may help to influence the levels and availability of neurotransmitters in a positive fashion.


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Curcumin/Turmeric: Current research supports curcumin may help to  decrease the buildups of proteins (amyloids) in brain tissue. These buildups have been associated with several neurodegenerative diseases.



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.Vinpocetine: Selectively dilates the arteries and capillaries in the head area, reducing vascular resistance, improving cell production of ATP, and promoting better circulation to the brain. By increasing circulation, it allows for improved nutrient and oxygen delivery to brain cells.

Cognitin has a select ingredient combination to enhance memory and inhibit oxidative stress to the brain. Alpha-lipoic acid has antioxidant activity that can scavenge free radicals in the brain to stop the undesirable chain reaction they cause. Alpha-lipoic acid is both water and fat soluble, and can regenerate endogenous antioxidants, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and glutathione, and inhibit oxidative stress. Vinpocetine and acetyl l-carnitine help maintain healthy blood circulation in the brain.  http://bit.ly/15howCc

Pycnogenol® Supports Blood Vessel Health in New Study

Research reveals Pycnogenol® naturally improves circulatory and endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease

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The body’s first line of defense against coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease, are endothelial cells. These cells serve as the “traffic cop” for blood flow, directing blood to the appropriate area of the body such as the heart, brain, muscles or digestive system to support the body’s actions. A study published in the January 2012 issue of European Heart Journal found that natural supplement Pycnogenol^® (pic-noj-en-all), an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree and natural solution for heart health, improves endothelial function in patients with stable coronary artery disease. 

“When coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked by plaque build-up, oxygen-rich blood cannot reach the heart muscle, often leading to a heart attack,” says Dr. Frank Enseleit, the lead study researcher. “The results of this study show for the first time that Pycnogenol^® significantly improves endothelial function and blood flow in patients with coronary heart disease.”

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was carried out at the Clinic for Cardiology at the University Hospital Zurich in Switzerland. The study investigated 23 patients with stable coronary artery disease, as documented by coronary angiography, nuclear imaging or positive stress test.

Patients were assigned to two groups. Patients in Group One received Pycnogenol^® (200 mg/d) for eight weeks, then took placebo for another eight weeks. Group Two received the opposite sequence of placebo first, followed by eight weeks with Pycnogenol^®. Before and after the eight weeks of treatment, blood samples were taken and the flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial arteries in the upper arm was established.

After eight weeks of treatment with Pycnogenol^® the study found:

·         Pycnogenol^® increased artery dilation by 32 percent, a significant change, while it remained unchanged in the placebo group

·         Pycnogenol^® significantly reduced plasma-8-isoprostaries, an index of oxidative stress

·         Pycnogenol^® demonstrated significant effects on a critical measure of endothelial function, reducing plasma levels of endothelin-1

 

“The balance between endothelial function and dysfunction plays an important role in the transition from a stable to an unstable disease state. As such, the evaluation of endothelial function has emerged as an important end point in cardiovascular research,” says Dr. Frank Enseleit. “After Pycnogenol^® usage, we were able to identify a significant improvement of endothelial function in individuals who depend on medications as a result of their heart disease. Pycnogenol^® appears to help restore a body’s own functions in flow-mediated arterial dilatation.”

 

This groundbreaking study further strengthens Pycnogenol^®’s already large arsenal of cardiovascular health benefits. Past clinical trials have shown beneficial effects of Pycnogenol^® on chronic inflammation as well as cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, cholesterol and platelet function. This new study also provides further evidence on the safety of Pycnogenol^® for patients taking cardiovascular medicines.

 

About Pycnogenol^®

Pycnogenol^® is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France and is found to contain a unique combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids, which offer extensive natural health benefits.  The extract has been widely studied for the past 40 years and has more than 280 published studies and review articles ensuring safety and efficacy as an ingredient.  Today, Pycnogenol^® is available in more than 700 dietary supplements, multi-vitamins and health products worldwide.  For more information, visit www.pycnogenol.com.

About Horphag Research

Horphag Research Ltd. is the exclusive worldwide supplier of Pycnogenol^® (pic-noj-en-all) French maritime pine bark extract. Pycnogenol^® is a registered trademark of Horphag Research Ltd.; Guernsey and its applications are protected by U.S. patents and other international patents. Horphag Research Ltd. Is the recipient of the 2008 Frost & Sullivan North American Health Ingredients Excellence in Research Award.  For more information about Pycnogenol^® visit our

 

 

nutraMetrix Isotonix OPC-3® is an isotonic-capable food supplement that is made from a combination of bilberry, grape seed, red wine and pine bark extracts(Pycnogenol), and citrus extract bioflavonoids, all found to be powerful antioxidants.

 

 

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Primary Benefits of nutraMetrix Isotonix OPC-3®*:

• Combats free radicals
• Demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity
• Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels
• Helps maintain healthy circulation by strengthening capillaries, arteries and veins
• Helps maintain joint flexibility
• Helps promote cardiovascular health
• Helps reduce mild menstrual cramping and abdominal pain
• Helps support visual health/visual acuity
• Potent free radical scavenger
• Promotes healthy blood vessel dilation
• Promotes healthy nitric oxide levels
• Supports a healthy complexion
• Supports healthy blood glucose levels
• Supports healthy platelet activity
• Supports healthy sperm quality
• Promotes sinus comfort
• Supports immune health