VITAMIN B6, VITAMIN B12, AND FOLATE are essential for proper endogenous methylation activity and reducing levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Although the exact mechanism by which homocysteine damages the vascular system is not entirely certain, it is believed to be via promotion of atherosclerotic plaque development and enhanced blood clotting activity. In clinical trials, supplementation with B6/B12/folate has been shown to reduce circulating homocysteine levels and therefore support cardiovascular health.
VITAMIN K2 (MENAQUINONE-7) plays an essential role in the modulation of aberrant calcium metabolism. Abnormal deposition of calcium in arteries and heart valves is a major risk factor for both cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Vitamin K is a dependent cofactor for carboxylation of the human matrix GLA protein (MGP), a major inhibitor of arterial calcification. Vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 has been shown to be effective for maintaining calcium balance by helping to keep calcium in the bones and out of the vascular media. In a large Dutch study, dietary intake of Vitamin K2 was observed to correlate with reduced vascular calcification.
ACETYL-L-CARNITINE/L-CARNITINE are involved in the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production. Levels of carnitine decline in cases of cardiovascular failure, especially if the heart muscles have limited oxygen supply. Supplementation with acetyl-L-carnitine has been shown to improve ventricular function and vascular health.
TAURINE is an amino acid that has been shown to help reduce blood fluid volume via promotion of sodium and urine excretion. Reduction in blood volume modulates blood pressure and also reduces the workload placed on the pumping mechanism of the heart muscle. Taurine also regulates electrical conductivity of cell membranes and as such, supports a stable healthy cardiac rhythm.
COCOA POLYPHENOLS (THEOBROMA CACAO) provide a unique form of polyphenols known as Epicatechin oligomers. These flavonoids have been shown to be cardioprotective via modulation of LDL particles, lipoxygenase inhibition, and suppression of peroxynitrite radical. In clinical trials, cocoa polyphenols proved to be inhibitory at the enzymatic level within the lipoxgenase pathway, therefore supporting a reduction in pro-inflammatory activity. The potent antioxidant properties of cocoa polyphenols have also been shown to prevent oxidation of circulating LDL particles and quench peroxynitrite radical, a by-product of endogenous NO production.
RESVERATROL (POLYGONUM CUSPIDATUM) is a polyphenolic stillbene that serves as a potent antioxidant and may promote cardiovascular health by preventing oxidation of circulating LDL particles. Resveratrol has also been shown to have inhibitory effects on the production of angiotensin II, a potent hormonal compound that induces vasoconstriction and water retention and is often elevated in hypertension.
HAWTHORN (CRATAEGUS OXYCANTHA) contains a wide range of flavonoids including rutin, quercetin, vitexin, epicatechin, catechin, and proanthocyanidins that provide diverse mechanisms of action in supporting heart health. Hawthorn has been shown to increase myocyte energy turnover, thereby increasing cardiac muscle contractile capabilities. Hawthorn may also positively impact coronary blood flow, vascular health, and cardiac rhythms.
COENZYME Q10 is an endogenous antioxidant that serves as a cofactor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. De novo synthesis of CoQ10 decreases with age and with the use of some HMG-CoA reductase inhibiting medications. Supplementation of CoQ10 has been shown to have protective benefits on cardiovascular and neurological function.
POMEGRANATE (PUNICA GRANATUM) contains powerful antioxidants, known as punicalagins, which both protect cell membranes and prevent oxidation of LDL particles. Some clinical observations also suggest that pomegranate may have powerful effects on reducing cardiovascular damage caused by atherosclerotic plaque. In patients supplemented with pomegranate juice for one year, a 35% decrease in atherosclerotic plaque within the carotid arteries was observed.
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