Heart Health

Are these lesser-known plants ready for prime time?

Although the public has yet fully to appreciate vitamin K2, advocates are working overtime to change that. Here’s how an official recommended daily intake (RDI) value could help.

NattoPharma continues to build evidence that its MenaQ7 vitamin K2 MK-7 ingredient provides significant and unique benefits for heart health.

Although researchers did not find a reduction in the primary endpoint of significantly reducing major CVD events, the study did reveal some positive, statistically significant benefits, the association says.

The ingredient is made using a patented fungal fermentation process.

ChromaDex has stopped taking new orders of pterostilbene, a popular antioxidant, effective July 31 because of research that indicates the ingredient increases low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. 

Not only do 75% of Americans take supplements, but 87% of U.S. adults have overall confidence in the safety, quality, and effectiveness of dietary supplement products, the survey found.

It is well known that EPA and DHA support cardiovascular and metabolic health through several mechanisms.

An in vitro study conducted by Sabinsa Corp. provides evidence that the probiotic strain Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 (brand name LactoSpore) may help manage cholesterol levels.

Pine bark extract may reduce the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome following deep vein thrombosis, and recurrent deep vein thrombosis, according to a recently published study.

Prebiotic benefits extend to metabolic health, heart health, and more.

The review found that the combination of omega-3s and statins for heart health can sometimes be complementary, but can also be antagonistic. The authors note that further intervention studies are needed to explore the interaction.

The need is growing to support senior health with products targeting healthy aging.

Bill Harris, PhD, omega-3 researcher and founder of OmegaQuant, says a recent Cochrane report is biased because it ignores a large body of evidence showing favorable effects of EPA and DHA on cardiovascular risk.

A heart-healthy lifestyle should start early in life. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can help.

In the study, researchers observed “clinically meaningful” lipid-lowering properties of Argicolina, as well as a significant reduction of triglyceride levels.

A new study found a correlation between the genetic polymorphism of the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and coronary artery disease. 

The mechanism of action may be linked to raspberry ellagitannins, study researchers say.

Kaneka also now has exclusive licensing rights to produce and sell AB-Biotics’ products in North America and Japan.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (Washington, DC) said in a recent press release that 73% of U.S. residents take multivitamins, but these products are not intended to be used as magic bullets in the prevention of serious diseases.

Nutritional Outlook spoke to Scott Steinford, executive director at large of the CoQ10 Association (Salt Lake City, UT), about how trade tensions could negatively affect U.S. and China consumers.

Research has shown that astaxanthin can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, improve lipid profiles, and promote better blood flow.

Results from the study indicate that a CoQ10 ingredient known commercially as MitoQ may help improve arterial stiffness and “reverse” arterial aging in older adults.

NattoPharma is looking to harness its extensive body of research showing vitamin K2’s heart- and bone-health benefits, as well as establishing clinical biomarkers to demonstrate the consequences of vitamin K2 deficiency, with the hope of one day seeing the creation of a Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) value for K2.

The line is based on the company’s flagship, EPA-rich algae ingredient, Almega PL.