In this blog, we will continue our discussion on preventing cardiovascular disease. Read on to learn about the relationship between cardiovascular disease and antioxidants, such as the ones found in Ecological Formulas products.
Q: What is the relationship between cardiovascular disease and antioxidants?
A: Low plasma levels of all essential antioxidants, like the ones in Ecological Formulas supplements, are associated with an increased risk of subsequent death from heart disease. A study of Finnish men over 60 years of age demonstrated that a deficiency of vitamin C is a risk factor for heart disease. Another researcher, after reviewing data on approximately 3,000 people over 12 years, found that if levels of vitamin C are low, the likelihood of heart disease is high. It also appears that the more vitamin C a person consumes, the less risk of death from heart disease and all other causes.
In a study of more than 11,000 people, it was shown that men who consumed more than 300 mg of vitamin C per day had a 45% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease than those who consumed less than 50 mg per day. Women had a 25% lowered risk of death. When vitamin C is combined with vitamin E, a lower risk of death from all causes and death from heart disease is present.
Vitamin E can also help. Remember that the industrial byproduct dl alpha tocopherol is a mix of the natural form, d alpha tocopherol and the unavailable form l alpha tocopherol. Some studies that report bad effects of vitamin E use the dl form. The dl form is often in cheaper supplements as it is cheaper to purchase. If you see tocopherol acetate, know that this this form extends shelf life.
Now on to the research reports on vitamin E and CVD in part III of our preventing cardiovascular disease blog series.
