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Page 19 To place an order, go to www.willner.com or call (800) 633-1106 Since 1911 • Willner Chemists: The Nutritional Supplement Professionals Cardiovascular Health & Dietary Supplements: How to care for the Heart and Miles of Blood Vessels? The heart, blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries), and blood are the three main components of the cardiovascular system. To maintain cardiovascular health, each element of this triad has to consistently be at its best to allow the entire system to function properly and to ensure that each cell of the body receives oxygen and nutrients and unloads carbon dioxide (CO2) and other metabolic by-products. It would not be possible to list in just one article all the dietary supplements available to support a healthy cardiovascular system, as there are supplements that address pretty much every element of this multifaceted system. Therefore, we will focus here on three compounds, each acting at a different level of the cardiovascular system: menaquinone-7, ubiquinol, and nattokinase.* Vitamin K is a group of structurally related compounds known for their multiple bodily functions, including the support of a healthy coagulation.* Among these vitamin K compounds, vitamin K2 is particularly important for cardiovascular health, as shown in a recently published prospective study following nearly 3,000 adults over at least 10 years. This study showed that there was no statistical association between dietary intake of vitamin K1 and cardiovascular health, while higher intakes of dietary vitamin K2 were associated healthier cardiovascular systems.1* This beneficial effect of vitamin K2 on vascular health may be explained by its ability to regulate enzymes that control the spatial conformation of certain proteins found in cartilage and artery walls allowing them to attract calcium.* Menaquinone-7 is a purified form of vitamin K2 with unique biological properties. These properties were demonstrated in a clinical study showing that supplementation with this specific form of vitamin K2 induces a prolonged effect on structural and functional aspects of certain proteins circulating in the blood including on osteocalcin.* This effect on osteocalcin and other proteins found in artery walls is dose dependent and translates into clinically relevant effects such as a significant improvement in a marker of arterial stiffness.2,3* To maintain normal heart and blood vessel function, we recommend ubiquinol.* Ubiquinol is the active reduced form of CoQ10 known to have a superior bioavailability to other forms of CoQ10. At the molecular level, the ability of ubiquinol to exchange electrons is central to cellular energy production, and its powerful free radical neutralizing activity is important for the protection of biological membranes against oxidative stress, as well as for regenerating antioxidants such as vitamin C and E.* Scientific studies indicate that ubiquinol can help to support normal cardiovascular function.* Indeed, in a randomized, double-blind, single-center trial, with 51 individuals receiving 100 mg or 200 mg ubiquinol daily, authors observed that ubiquinol significantly improved endothelial function as measured by flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery.4* Nattokinase is a bioavailable fibrinolytic enzyme isolated from natto, a traditional Japanese fermented soy food that works in a different way to support cardiovascular health. It promotes heart and circulatory health by helping to maintain normal blood fluidity.* Nattokinase is structurally close to plasmin. In vitro studies have demonstrated its ability to dissolve fibrin, an important factor involved in coagulation.* In laboratory experiments, the addition of nattokinase to whole human blood resulted in a dose- dependent decrease of erythrocyte aggregation and viscosity.* A 2-month open-label, clinical trial with 45 subjects investigating the effect of taking a daily dose of 2 capsules of nattokinase [2,000 fibrinolysis units (FU) per capsule] revealed a significant reduction in plasma levels of fibrinogen (by 9%), factor VII (by 14%), and factor VIII (by 17%).5* Furthermore, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 86 participants receiving nattokinase (2,000 FU/capsule) for 8 weeks, researchers observed a significant reduction in blood pressure already within the normal range.6* As described above, menaquinone-7, ubiquinol, and nattokinase are clinically evaluated compounds working at different levels of the structure and function of blood vessels.* In addition, nattokinase and vitamin K are known to impact blood coagulation in different ways and may help maintain normal blood fluidity.* These three compounds have complementary mechanisms of actions that contribute to and support cardiovascular health.* References: 1. Haugsgjerd TR, Egeland GM, Nygård OK, et al. BMJ Open. 2020;10(5):e035953. 2. Dalmeijer GW, van der Schouw YT, Magdeleyns E, Ahmed N, Vermeer C, Beulens JWJ. Atherosclerosis.225(2):397- 402. 3. Knapen MH, Braam LA, Drummen NE, Bekers O, Hoeks AP, Vermeer C. Thromb Haemost. 2015;113(5). 4. Sabbatinelli J, Orlando P, Galeazzi R, et al. Nutrients. 2020;12(4):1098. 5. Hsia C-H, Shen M-C, Lin J-S, et al. Nutrition Research. 2009;29(3):190-196. 6. Kim JY, Gum SN, Paik JK, et al. Hypertension research : official journal of the Japanese Society of Hypertension. 2008;31(8):1583-1588. The heart, blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries), and blood are the three main components of the cardiovascular system. To maintain cardiovascular health, each element of this triad has to consistently be at its best to allow the entire system to function properly and to ensure that each cell of the body receives oxygen and nutrients and unloads carbon dioxide (CO2) and other metabolic by-products.* *Note: Information in this article is provided for informational purposes only. Any and all information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare provider. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Scientific studies indicate that ubiquinol can help to support normal cardiovascular function The pharmacists and nutritionists at Willner Chemists will be happy to assist you in determining which supplements are most appropriate for your needs. By Céline Torres-Moon, Science Writer, Protocol For Life Balance ®