As a cardiologist I have had the opportunity to face multiple cardiac problems specifically
coronary artery disease. After extensive review of the literature available, I have put together
what I think is an excellent prevention formula that includes vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and
other substances.
Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with lower risk of coronary disease
particularly death (1), and reduced total and coronary mortality in men who had suffered a
myocardial infarction (2). They also improve large artery endothelium-dependent dilation in
subjects with hypercholesterolemia (3). There is epidemiological and clinical trial evidence
supporting its role as cardio protective agents (4). This effect has also been demonstrated in
women (5).
Beta-sitosteral is a plant sterol that lowers cholesterol levels up to 10% by reducing intestinal
absorption and current evidence is sufficient to promote its use for lowering LDL cholesterol for
persons at increased risk for coronary disease (7).
L-Arginine is an aminoacid that acts as the precursor of Nitric Oxide (NO), which is formed in the
endothelial cell and acts as vasodilator by relaxing the smooth muscle cells of the media of
arteries and arterioles of the heart (9). Its discovery lead to the noble prize of medicine. Patients
with atherosclerosis as well as with risk factors for coronary artery disease have an impaired
release of this substance. Its administration prevents the development of nitrate tolerance (10).
B complex vitamins including folic acid reduce the homocysteine level, a recognized risk factor
for coronary disease. Elevated concentration of homocysteine has been associated with increased
risk of acute events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. The homocysteine level may be
lowered safely and effectively with diet modification and/or vitamin supplementation with folic
acid, vitamins B12 & B6 (11). Niacinamide raises HDL and lowers LDL cholesterol and also
lowers lipoprotein (a), a newly recognized risk for coronary disease.
Vitamin E has been linked to confusing outcomes for the last 15 years of research. However
most recent analysis has concluded the lack of major protective effect of vitamin E
supplementation, taken in moderately high dosage, against complications in atherosclerosis and
overall cancer incidents. In fact there are even some hints that vitamin E, in excess of normal
daily intake, may slightly increase the risk of ischemic events (12). This effect appears to be
dose dependent and it starts to increase for dosages greater than 400 iu per day. It was also
noted at small mortality benefit with low dosage vitamin E supplementation. We have chosen to
add a very small amount of natural vitamin E to our supplement
Our formula would not be complete if we used second rated raw materials. We do not take short
cuts in our manufacturing process. We pride ourselves with using the following standard:
All raw materials used in Vital Complex are tested according to Good
Manufacturing Procedures. Strict quality control ensures that each batch of raw
material is tested for contaminants such as bacteria, heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides. All
our oils (EPA) are purity tested and utilize cold-water fish such as sardines, anchovies and
mackerel to provide a pure, rich source of omega -3’s. Only the highest quality fillers, binders
and excipients are used in the manufacture of our supplements.
Supplements are further tested for dissolution time and degradation of ingredients up to and
beyond the expiration date to ensure full potency as stated on the label.
. *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.
References
1. Albert CM, Campos H, Stampfer MJ, et al. Blood levels of long chain n-3 fatty acids and
the risk of sudden death. N Engl J Med 2002;346:1113-8.
2. GISSI-Prevenzione Investigators. Dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty
acids and vitamin E in 11,324 patients with myocardial infarction: results of the GISSI-
Prevenzione trial. Lancet 1999;354:447-55.
3. Goodfellow J, Bellamy MF, Ramsey MW, et al. Dietary supplementation with marine
omega-3 fatty acids improve systemic large artery endothelial function in subjects with
hypercholesterolemia. J Am Coll Cardiol 2000;35:265-70.
4. Harper CR, Jacobson TA. The fats of life, the role of omega-3 fatty acids in the
prevention of coronary heart disease. Arch Intern Med 2001;161:2185-92.
5. Hu FB, Bronner L, Willett WC, et al. Fish and omega-3 fatty acid intake and risk of
coronary heart disease in women. JAMA 2002; 287:1815-21.
6. Trichopoulou A, Costacou T, Bamia C, et al. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet and
survival in a Greek population. N Engl J Med 2003;348:2599-608.
7. Katan MB, Grundy SM, Jones P, et al. Efficacy and safety of plant stanols and sterols in
the management of blood cholesterol levels. Mayo Clin Proc. 2003;78:965-78.
8. Pauly DF, Pepine CJ. Ischemic heart disease: Metabolic approaches to management.
Clin Cardiol. 2004;27:439-41.
9. Xu WM, Liu LZ. Nitric Oxide: from a mysterious labile factor to the molecule of the
Nobel Prize. Recent progress in nitric oxide research. Cell Res. 1998;8:251-58.
10. Parker JO, Parker JD, Caldwell RW, et al. The effect of supplemental L-Arginine on
tolerance development during continuous transdermal nitroglycerin therapy. J Am Coll Cardiol
2002;39:1199-203.
11. Gauthier GM, Keevil JG, McBride PE. The association of homocysteine and coronary
artery disease. Clin Cardiol 2003;26:563-8.
12. Miller ER, Pastor-Barriuso R, Dalal D, et al. Meta-analysis: Hish-dosage vitamin E
supplementation may increase all-cause mortality. Ann Intern Med 2005;142:37-46.
