Dietary Supplements for Heart Health

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including stroke, is our nation's No. 1 killer. More than 2,600 Americans die each day of CVD - an average of 1 death every 33 seconds. More than 40% of all deaths in the U.S. are from cardiovascular disease. In fact, you have a greater chance of dying from heart disease than from cancer, AIDS, diabetes, and accidents combined. Currently, one in five Americans has some form of CVD. If all forms of major CVD were eliminated, life expectancy would rise by almost 7 years. To urge Americans to join the battle against these diseases, Congress has declared February as "American Heart Month".

In addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise, the wise use of dietary supplements such as co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10), fish oil, garlic, vitamin E, B vitamins, magnesium, and the amino acid L-carnitine can improve heart health dramatically and also help prevent the development of CVD. Let's take a look specifically at CoQ10 and omega-3 fish oils.

CoQ10 is a fat-soluble nutrient found in virtually all cells of the body and is vital to the production of ATP, the compound required for all energy processes in the body. The heart requires large amounts of uninterrupted energy, so it should come as no surprise that heart cells contain - and have a greater requirement for - CoQ10 than any other type of cell in the body.

People with heart disease are commonly deficient in CoQ10 (heart attacks tend to occur when CoQ10 levels are low in the body), and supplemental CoQ10 has proved to be beneficial in treating and preventing conditions such as high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), angina, and congestive heart failure (CHF). By increasing ATP (i.e.-energy) production, CoQ10 can improve heart function and overall cardiovascular health.

CoQ10 is a very safe supplement. To date, no toxicities have been reported with its use. Dosages vary from as little as 30mg to as much as 1,200 mg daily, depending on the condition being treated. For maintenance (in the absence of diagnosed cardiovascular disease), practitioners recommend anywhere from 30mg-100mg daily. For more serious cases of cardiovascular disease, 200mg or more of CoQ10 daily may be indicated. Our bodies make CoQ10 but as we age our bodies lose the ability to produce it and our levels of this important nutrient naturally decline. CoQ10 naturally occurs in sardines, peanuts and organ meats, but you would have to eat 2 pounds of liver or over 2 pounds of peanuts to get 30mg of CoQ10! Some drugs, especially a group of cholesterol - lowering prescription drugs known as "statins" (Pravachol, Zocor, Lipitor, etc) significantly reduce CoQ10 levels in the body, increasing the risk of congestive heart failure.

Certain dietary fats are also protective against heart disease. In the early 1980's, researchers noticed that certain Inuit populations had very low incidences of heart disease despite a very high-fat diet. The researchers discovered the oils in the deep water fish these people consumed are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Most Americans are deficient in these essential fats, which are an important component of our cellular membranes. Omega-3 fats keep our cell membranes flexible and healthy, unlike artificial trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils), which cause rigidity and stiffness to cells, making our body more susceptible to disease.

Fish oil supplements are a rich source of the polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. These fatty acids lower blood pressure, and may reduce the risk of hearts attacks and strokes. In addition, EPA and DHA may benefit individuals with arthritis, asthma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammation and cancer. Worried about contaminants in your supplements? A recent survey from Consumer Labs showed that of 41 brands of omega-3 fish oil supplements tested, none contained mercury or polychlorinated byphenyls (PCB's)-- two contaminants found in many species of fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Taking supplements appears to be safe way to avoid these contaminants.

The Wedge has the entire line of Nordic Naturals supplements on sale the month of February. Nordic Naturals specializes in fish oils and manufactures all their products in Norway with a guarantee of exceptional purity, freshness, and oils free of all environmental toxins. They use only wild fish (arctic cod, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies) that are low on the food chain to minimize any impurities and utilize molecular distillation to guarantee the removal of any toxins. This distillation method uses very low heat to not damage the oil. Their oils also taste great and are burp-free. Recommended dosages are 600mg of EPA and DHA daily for low risk individuals, and 1800mg for high risk individuals.

Fat soluble nutrients such as Omega-3 oils are also beneficial for maximum absorption of CoQ10. Enzymatic Therapy's Vitaline chewable CoQ10 will be on sale in the supplement aisle of the Wedge for the month of February. Vitaline chewable CoQ10 is a natural form of CoQ10 that crosses the blood brain barrier, which is very important in order for CoQ10 to be absorbed. This brand also contains vitamin E, which increases absorption of CoQ10.