Monograph

A happy heart relies on vital nutrients to perform optimally. With this in mind, NUTRAscriptives® NUTRA Heart contains essential heart-healthy ingredients to support cardiovascular function. 1) Alpha Lipoic Acid can diminish oxidative damage and enhance glucose uptake. 2) CoQ10 is a vital antioxidant that every cell depends on to form energy (ATP). 3) Grape Seed Extract may support cholesterol levels, deter inflammation, and diminish oxidative stress. 4) Hawthorn Extract aids blood vessel relaxation and circulation. 5) L-Taurine can balance nervous system activity and relax blood vessels. If you currently take blood-thinning medication, please consult a physician before taking NUTRA Heart, since some of the ingredients have anticoagulant properties.
 

Description

NUTRAscriptives® NUTRA Heart contains a nutritional combination sourced from European, American, and Japanese extractors to meet the finest-quality standards for exceptional heart health. Quality ingredients include Vitamin E, Alpha Lipoic Acid, CoQ10, Activin® Grape Seed, Hawthorn Extract, and L-Taurine.

Research

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a "universal" antioxidant that provides intra and extracellular protection throughout the body by neutralizing a broad spectrum of free radicals. ALA protects the normal function of the heart by preventing oxidative damage.

In combination with Acetyl-L-Carnitine, an eight-week study found ALA can normalize blood pressure and vascular function by possibly reducing oxidative stress in the mitochondria. Normal mitochondria function is needed for optimal energy in the heart.[1] ALA increased superoxide production in the heart that is necessary to maintain blood pressure levels and protect the heart from oxidative stress.[2]

Furthermore, ALA may benefit inflammation in vascular ailments, as researchers found it inhibited the production of proteins involved in the inflammatory response in mice.[3] Another study found ALA protected the heart from the fat accumulation in mice and reduced triglyceride levels by 50%.[4]

Coenzyme Q10

The heart demands high levels of energy for optimum cardiovascular health, which is why CoQ10 is naturally found in the heart. CoQ10 is an aid in several aspects of heart health; such as preventing cholesterol oxidation, especially in balancing LDL cholesterol levels.

More than 50 million Americans have imbalanced blood pressure levels, which can lead to negative cardiac conditions. Though it may not be the underlying cause, low levels of CoQ10 are often found in people with high blood pressure. Prescription medications for the heart (statins, etc.) further deplete the body of CoQ10.

Studies find CoQ10 benefits individuals with high blood pressure, as it may lower systolic and diastolic levels without significant side effects.[5],[6],[7] A meta-analysis of 12 clinical trials (362 patients) showed systolic blood pressure could decrease up to 17 mm Hg, while diastolic blood pressure could decrease up to 10 mm Hg with CoQ10 supplementation.[8] Another study indicated 60 mg per day of CoQ10 safely lowered systolic blood pressure by 7.3 mm Hg in twelve-weeks.[9] CoQ10 is even viewed as a safe addition to standard heart treatments.[10]

One study indicated 90 mg per day of CoQ10, in conjunction with 5 gm per day of phospholipids (lecithin) decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, along with total and LDL cholesterol in four-weeks.[11]

Supplementing CoQ10 can relieve side effects associated with various heart treatments. A double-blind study found CoQ10 can reduce muscle pain associated with statin drug use. Patients were given CoQ10 (100 mg per day) or vitamin E (400 IU per day) for 30 days finding pain severity decreased by 40%, and pain interference with daily activities decreased by 38% in the CoQ10 group. In contrast, pain was not relieved in the vitamin E group.[12] Another study indicated CoQ10 supplementation improved diastolic function that is often worsened with statin therapy.[13]

Grape Seed (Activin®)

Lipid peroxidation plays a major role in blood vessel inflammation that leads to plaque formation and cardiovascular disturbances. Lipid peroxidation stems from an excessive formation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) that become victim to free radicals. Antioxidant properties, like proanthocyanidins found in grape seeds, can stabilize LDL levels and maintain cardiovascular health.

Common injury and free radical damage can come to the arteries after they are cleared from plaque buildup. Researchers found that proanthocyanidins reduced the formation of free radicals and had cardioprotective benefits in rats after restoring blood flow to the vessels.[14]

A 21-week study observed that grape seed extract decreased LDL levels and protected the vascular endothelium (blood vessel lining) maintaining tone in the artery walls and stabilizing blood pressure.[15]

A Greek study recruited 30 men with cardiovascular ailments to see if grape seed extract would improve endothelial function by improving blood flow dilation in the arteries. Results signified that subjects taking 600 mg per day of grape seed extract had significant improvement in blood flow and endothelial function.[16]

A series of studies conducted at Creighton University have indicated proanthocyandins have remarkable benefits on heart health by optimizing several cardiovascular functions, including endothelial function and decreased LDL levels. Primarily, proanthocyanidins protect the heart from the dangerous formation of free radicals and oxidative stress.[17]

Researchers administered grape extract to rats for three weeks finding the antioxidant scavenged free radicals to significantly reduce injury associated with ischemia-reperfusion.[18]

Hawthorn Extract

Hawthorn, a native European tree, has antioxidant properties that aid normal cardiovascular function.[19] A meta-analysis evaluated several Hawthorn studies from 1951 to 2006 finding the extract significantly improved exercise tolerance, oxygen consumption, and heart rate in patients with cardiovascular weaknesses.[20] This is largely associated with its antioxidant activity, as the proliferation of free radicals can reduce blood flow in the arteries.

One study observed the antioxidant effects of Hawthorn on protecting the arteries from ischemia-reperfusion injury. Hawthorn increased nitric oxide concentrations to aid blood flow and delay cell death caused by oxidative damage.[21] Furthermore, an animal study found that Hawthorn prevented lipid peroxidation and increased oxygen in the heart.[22]

A 24-week treatment gave 1,011 patients with cardiac weaknesses Hawthorn finding a significant improvement in exercise tolerance, blood pressure, and heart palpitations.[23]

L-Taurine

L-Taurine, a sulfur-based amino acid, is a strong antioxidant that removes free radicals from the body. This amino acid is highly concentrated in the heart to protect the cardiovascular system from oxidative damage. L-Taurine protects the heart from elevated homocysteine levels by preventing oxidative injury in the mitochondria.[24] In addition, L-Taurine can delay heart ailments by suppressing excessive proliferation of platelets that is related to cardiovascular dysfunction.[25] Its antioxidant activity also stabilized myocardial function by normalizing glutathione production (amino acid) and preventing lipid peroxidation.[26]

One study found that L-Taurine neutralized free radicals in the heart, as it protected rats from ischemia-reperfusion injury.[27] Similarly, researchers administered L-Taurine before or after arterial blood flow was restricted, finding ischemia-reperfusion injuries (process of restoring blood flow to blocked arteries) could be prevented.[28]

Vitamin E

Studies have indicated vitamin E aids cardiovascular function, as it may inhibit the formation of oxidative stress and inflammation in the arterial walls.[29] In addition, vitamin E reduces platelet aggregation (clot formations) and lipid peroxidation.[30]

One study recruited subjects to consume a high-fat meal with vitamin E (800 IU) to observe the effects on endothelial function (interior blood vessel cells), which is often damaged by an excessive high-fat diet. Results indicated vitamin E supported normal endothelial function among individuals consuming a high-fat diet.[31] Vitamin E's ability to protect endothelial function was explained through an animal study showing vitamin E increased nitric oxide activity to sustain normal heart function.[32]

Additional Information – Dosage & Interactions

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, take two capsules daily, or as directed by a physician.

Dosage

Alpha Lipoic Acid - Up to 600 mg per day (based on G.I. tolerance)

Coenzyme Q10 - Up to 300 mg per day

Grape Seed (ActiVin®) – Up to 600 mg per day

Hawthorn Extract – Up to 900 mg per day

L-Taurine – Up to 3,000 mg per day

Vitamin E – 100 to 400 mg per day (149 to 596 IU per day)

Precautions

The maximum safe dosages of the nutrients in this formula have not been determined for children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease. As with all supplement regimens, please consult your physician prior to use.

Alpha Lipoic Acid - Those with B-12 deficiency should avoid ALA, as should pregnant women and nursing mothers. Individuals with diabetes should have their blood glucose monitored while taking ALA to avoid possible hypoglycemia.

Coenzyme Q10 - Occasionally, mild gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, and epigastric distress have been reported in individuals taking CoQ10, particularly with higher doses (200 mg or more per day).

Grape Seed (ActiVin®) - There are no known adverse reactions with proper supplementation.

Hawthorn Extract – Children under 12 years old should not take Hawthorn Extract.

L-Taurine - Individuals with congestive heart failure, pregnant women and nursing mothers should consult their physician before taking supplements with L-Taurine.

Vitamin E - Stomach upset may occur in large doses. Individuals with blood clotting ailments or high blood pressure should consult their physician prior to supplementation. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take doses higher than the RDA amounts (15 mg or 22.4 IU). Excessive amounts of vitamin E may cause an upset stomach, headache, fatigue, or blurred vision.

Drug Interactions

Consult a physician before taking NUTRA Heart, as the following key nutrients may interact with certain medications.

Alpha Lipoic Acid – Anti-diabetic medications (Alpha Lipoic Acid may lower blood glucose levels).

Coenzyme Q10 – Warfarin, Statins, Beta-blockers, Anti-diabetic medications

Grape Seed (ActiVin®) – There are no known interactions with proper supplementation.

Hawthorn Extract – Blood thinners (Aspirin, Plavix, etc.), Heart medicine (Lanoxin, etc.)

L-Taurine – Bleomycin (L-Taurine may ameliorate pulmonary side effects)

Vitamin E - Anticoagulants (Warfarin), Amiodarone, Anticonvulsants, Colestipol, Cyclosporine, Isoniazid, Neomycin, Orlistat, Sucralfate, Zivudine.

*Statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

[1] McMackin CJ, Widlansky ME, et al. Effect of combined treatment with alpha-lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine on vascular function and blood pressure in patients with coronary artery disease. J Clin Hypertens. 2007 Apr; 9(4):249-255.

[2] Midaoui AE, Elimadi A, Wu L, Haddad PS, de Champlain J. Lipoic acid prevents hypertension, hyperglycemia, and the increase in heart mitochondrial superoxide production. Am J Hypertens. 2003; 16(3):173-179.

[3] Zhang WJ, Wei H, Hagen T, Frei B. Alpha-lipoic acid attenuates LPS-induced inflammatory responses by activating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway. Proc Natl Acad Sci. 2007 Mar;104(10): 4077-4082.

[4] Lee Y, Naseem RH, Park BH Garry DJ, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid prevents lipotoxic cardiomyopathy in acyl CoA-synthase transgenic mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2006 May; 344(1):446-452.

[5] Rosenfeldt F. et al. Systematic review of effect of coenzyme Q10 in physical exercise, hypertension and heart failure. Biofactors. 2003; 18(1-4):91-100.

[6] Houston MC. The role of vascular biology, nutrition and NUTRAceuticals in the prevention and treatment of hypertension. JAMA. 2002; S1:5-71.

[7] Tran MT, Mitchell TM et al. Role of coenzyme Q10 in chronic heart failure, angina, and hypertension. Pharmacotherapy. 2001 Jul; 21(7):797-806.

[8] Rosenfeldt F, Haas S, Krum H et al. Coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of hypertension: a meta-analysis of the clinical trials. 2007 Apr; J Hum Hypertension; 21(2):297-306.

[9] Burke B, Neuenschwander R, Olson R. (2001). Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 in isolated systolic hypertension. South Med Journal. 2001; 94(11):1112-1117.

[10] Pepe S, Marasco S, Haas S, et al. Coenzyme Q10 in cardiovascular disease. Mitochondrion, 2007; S154-167.

[11] Eshginia S, Gapparov M. The influence of phospholipids food and antioxidant at patients with hypertension. Vopr Pitan. 2006; 75(2):37-39.

[12] Caso G, Kelly P, et al. Effect of coenzyme q10 on myopathic symptoms in patients treated with statins. Am J Cardiol. 2007 May; 99(10):1409-1412.

[13] Silver MA, Langsjoen PH, et al. Effect of atorvastatin on left ventricular diastolic function and ability of coenzyme Q10 to reverse that dysfunction. Am J Cardiol. 2004 Nov; 94(10):1306-1310.

[14] Pataki T, Bak I, Kovacs P, et al. Grape seed proanthocyanidins improved cardiac recovery during reperfusion after ischemia in isolated rat hearts. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002 May; 75(5):894-899.

[15] Yu H, Wang SE, Zhao C, Xu G. Study of anti-atherosclerosic effect of grape seed extract and its mechanism. Wei Sheng Yan Jin. 2002 Aug; 31(4):263-265.

[16] Lekakis J, Rallidis LS, Andreadou I, et al. Polyphenolic compounds from red grapes acutely improve endothelial function in patients with coronary heart disease. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil. 2005 Dec; 12(6):596-600.

[17] Bagchi D, Sen,CK, Ray SD et al. Molecular mechanisms of cardioprotection by a novel grape seed proanthocyanidin extract. Mutat Res. 2003; 523-524:87-97.

[18] Cui J, Cordis GA, Tosaki A, Maulik N, Das DK. Reduction of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury with regular consumption of grapes. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2002;957: 302-307.

[19] Miller AL. Botanical influences on cardiovascular disease. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Dec; 3(6):422-431.

[20] Pittler MH, Schmidt K, Ernst E. Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials. Am J Med. 2003 Jun 1; 114(8):665-674.

[21] Zhang DL, Zhang YT, Yin JJ, Zhao BL. Oral administration of Crataegus flavonoids protects against ischemia/reperfusion brain damage in gerbils. J Neurochem. 2004; 90(1):211-219.

[22] Jayalakshmi R, Niranjali D. Cardioprotective effect of tincture of Crataegus on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2004; 56(7):921-926.

[23] Tauchert M, Gildor A, Lipinski J. High-dose crataegus extract WS 1442 in the treatment of NYHA stage II heart failure. Herz. 1999 Oct; 24(6):465-474.

[24] Chang L, Xu J, Yu F, Zhao J, Tang X, Tang C. Taurine protected myocardial mitochondria injury induced by hyperhomocysteinemia in rats. Amino Acids. 2004 Aug; 27(1):37-48.

[25] Yoshimura H, Nariai Y, Terashima M, Mitani T, Tanigawa Y. Taurine suppresses platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) BB-induced PDGF-beta receptor phosphorylation by protein tyrosine phosphatase-mediated dephosphorylation in vascular smooth muscle cells. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2005; 1745(3):350-360.

[26] Shiny KS, Kumar SH, Farvin KH, Anandan R, Devadasan K. Protective effect of Taurine on myocardial antioxidant status in isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats. J Phram Pharmacol. 2005; 57(10):1313-1317.

[27] Hanna J, Chahine R, Aftimos G, Nader M, Mounayar A, et al. Protective effect of Taurine against free radicals damage in the rat myocardium. Exp Toxicol Pathol. 2004 Dec; 56(3):189-194.

[28] Ueno T, Iguro Y, Yotsumoto G, Fukumoto Y, et al. Taurine at early reperfusion significantly reduces myocardial damage and preserves cardiac function in the isolated rat heart. Resuscitation. 2007; 73(2):287-295.

[29] Meydani SN, Han SN, Hamer DH. Vitamin E and respiratory infection in the elderly. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2004 Dec; 1031:214-222.

[30] Jialal I, Traber M, Devaraj S. Is there a vitamin E paradox? Curr Opin Lipidol. 2001 Feb; 12(1):49-53.

[31] Katz DL, Nawaz H, Boukhalil J, Giannamore V, et al. Acute effects of oats and vitamin E on endothelial responses to ingested fat. Am J Prev Med. 2001 Feb; 20(2):124-129.

[32] Freedman JE, Keaney JF, Jr. Vitamin E inhibition of platelet aggregation is independent of antioxidant activity. J Nutr. 2001 Feb; 131(2):374S-3747S.