Homocysteine is a by-product of normal protein metabolism, formed from the conversion of the amino acid methionine. Because high levels of homocysteine are harmful to the cardiovascular system, the body has a built-in mechanism to partially convert it back into methionine and other beneficial, non-toxic amino acids. If the process is slightly off, homocysteine builds up in body fluids and tissues. This is a concern; moderately high levels of homocysteine can raise heart disease risk, independent of other known risk factors, such as elevated serum cholesterol and hypertension.1,2 Although not all researchers are in agreement about the relationship between homocysteine and heart disease,3 homocysteine seems to promote atherosclerosis, as well as being a risk factor for stroke.4 Vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid each function as cofactors for enzymes that can lower homocysteine levels. A substantial amount of research has shown supplementing with these nutrients can reduce homocysteine levels. As a matter of fact, due to the substantial body of research, at least ten reviews and meta-analyses have been compiled that demonstrate the efficacy of these nutrients in lowering homocysteine.5,6,7,8,9,10 Another related component, pantethine—a by-product of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)—may help reduce the amount of cholesterol made by the body. Several preliminary trials11,12 and two controlled trials13,14 have found 300 mg of pantethine, taken two to four times per day, significantly lowers serum cholesterol levels and may also increase beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The amino acid taurine helps the heart pump, with research showing its ability to help patients with congestive heart failure (CHF).15,16,17 In one study, taurine was administered orally to CHF patients for six weeks; significant positive changes were observed in the measured parameters.18 In a similar trial, researchers concluded, “The addition of taurine to conventional therapy is safe and effective for the treatment of patients with congestive heart failure.”19 A deficiency of taurine is thought by some researchers to play an important role in elevating blood pressure in people with hypertension.20 Limited taurine research has found supplementation lowers blood pressure in animals21 and people (at 6 g/d),22 possibly by reducing levels of the hormone epinephrine. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals23 and helps regenerate vitamin E.24 CoQ10 has helped some people with CHF.25,26,27,28 People with CHF taking CoQ10 should not stop taking it suddenly, because sudden withdrawal may exacerbate CHF symptoms.29 Similar improvements have been reported in people with cardiomyopathies.30 Also, due to its effect on heart muscle, researchers have studied CoQ10 in people with heart arrhythmias.31 Preliminary research in this area reported improvement after approximately one month in people with premature ventricular beats (a form of arrhythmia) who also suffer from diabetes.32 Angina patients taking 150 mg/d of CoQ10 report a greater ability to exercise without problems.33 CoQ10 also appears to increase the heart’s tolerance to a lack of oxygen. Perhaps as a result, preliminary research has shown problems resulting from heart surgery occurred less frequently in people given CoQ10 compared with a control group.34 Another source of antioxidants is grape seed extract, which has a high concentration of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). The main functions of OPCs are antioxidant activity, and the stabilization of collagen and maintenance of elastin—two critical proteins in connective tissue that support organs and joints—as well as blood vessels and muscle.35,36 OPCs have been shown to strengthen capillaries in double-blind research using as little as 100 mg/d.37 In another double blind trial, French researchers reported that women with chronic venous insufficiency had reduced symptoms using 150 mg/d.38 In Europe, researchers recently reported a statistically significant association between high dietary levels of the carotenoid antioxidant lycopene and a 48-percent lower risk of heart disease.39 Likewise, lycopene levels have been found to be low in the blood of people with atherosclerosis, suggesting a protective role for lycopene.40 In another study, women with the highest intake of tomato-based foods, rich sources of lycopene, had a reduced risk for CVD compared to women with low intake of those foods.41 The study also showed a positive trend that the highest dietary levels of lycopene may also be protective against cardiovascular disease. The botanical astragalus is primarily used for its immune stimulating and adaptogenic properties.42 However, research does exist suggesting a role in cardiovascular health. For example, patients with heart failure treated with astragalus had significant increases in cardiac output and stroke volume.43 In another study, 92 patients with ischemic heart disease were treated with astragalus; not only did they get significant relief from angina, but the effective rate of EKG improvement was 82.6 percent.44 Finally, the saponins contained in astragalus were found to have a positive effect on the function of the heart through the inhibition of the formation of lipid peroxides in the myocardium as well as by decreasing blood coagulation.45 Gene Bruno is the Dean of Academics and is on the faculty of Huntington College of Health Sciences (HCHS), an accredited distance learning institutions offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in nutrition, as well as diploma programs in nutrition and dietary supplement science. HCHS.edu, (800) 290-4226. Editor’s Note: See the June 2008 issue of Natural Products Marketplace for Part I of this look at nutrition for heart health.
For a list of references, visit NaturalProductsMarketplace.com or e-mail NPMreferences@vpico.com.
|
Email this article
Add a comment
Printer version
Order reprints
RSS Feed
Bookmark article