In a highly bioavailable liquid oil form, this product gives you:

• Omega-3 fatty acids for reduced cardiovascular disease risk

• Coenzyme Q10 antioxidant protection and reduction in pain symptoms associated with statin use

• Essential B vitamins including folic acid, with homocysteine reducing potential Understanding omega-3 fatty acids We all know the importance of incorporating long chain omega-3 fatty acids into our diet. Clinical evidence supports the use of the long chain omega-3 fatty acids, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), from fish and fish oils, for improved cardiovascular health. Increased consumption of EPA and DHA reduces the risk of developing heart disease and the risk of death from heart attack. This may be due to reduced plaque build up in major arteries and benefits on heart rate. The American Heart Association recommends approx. 500-600mg combined EPA and DHA for heart health maintenance for people not yet diagnosed with heart disease. Also, increased omega-3 fatty acid consumption (3g daily) may help to decrease triglyceride levels by as much as one third. The recommended dosage of Cardiac Defense® gelatin capsules offers a combined intake of over 500mg EPA plus DHA.

Triglyceride versus Ethyl Ester Form

We use only the natural triglyceride form of fish oil. Triglycerides contain a glycerol backbone stabilizing the oil molecules in their natural form. Fish oils in ethyl ester form are highly unstable and rapidly break down during storage. Additionally, when fish oils are digested, they are converted into free fatty acids. After absorption through the epithelial cells, free fatty acids are immediately converted into triglycerides. If the glycerol backbone is missing (as they are with ethyl esters), and no other glycerol backbones are available, the oil cannot be converted back to triglyceride form. Fatty acids not converted to triglycerides pose an oxidation burden in the form of free radical formation.

Coenzyme Q10 antioxidant protection

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is normally produced by the body and is involved in metabolism. It also acts as an antioxidant. Levels of CoQ10 may decrease with age, disease, such as cardiovascular disease, and use of medications, such as statins. Supplementation with CoQ10, especially oil-based CoQ10, increases levels in the body. Bioavailability (absorption by the body) of CoQ10 is increased when provided in an oil source. CoQ10 offers cardiovascular protection by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart attack. The dose of CoQ10 used in clinical trials for blood pressure lowering and decreased heart attack risk is approximately 120mg-200mg daily.

CoQ10 concentrations have been shown to be decreased in individuals using HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), such as pravastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin. In at least one clinical trial, CoQ10 supplementation (100 mg per day) prevented the statin-induced decrease in CoQ10 concentration in both plasma and platelets. Preventing the decrease in CoQ10 concentrations does not appear to reduce the cholesterol-lowering ability of the statin medications. Although not all studies agree, some clinical studies suggest that supplementation with CoQ10 may reduce pain severity and pain interference with daily activities in patients treated with statins. The recommended dosage of Cardiac Defense® gelatin capsules offers an intake of 200mg CoQ10 daily.

B Vitamins

A combination of B vitamins, containing folic acid, B6, and B12, offer the most benefit for homocysteine lowering. Homocysteine is an amino acid-like compound and high levels in the body are associated with increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Data from clinical trials in humans suggests that folic acid, alone or in combination with vitamin B6 or vitamin B12, reduces homocysteine levels both in healthy individuals and individuals with high blood levels of homocysteine. Although the daily recommended intake for folate is 400micrograms daily, much higher amounts (0.5 to 5mg daily) are required for homocysteine lowering of 13-25%.