Study shows micronutrients address multiple risk factors for heart disease

V. Ivanov, J. Cha, S. Ivanova, T. Kalinovsky, M. Rath, A. Niedzwiecki

Molecular Medicine Reports 3:417-425, 2010

In this study, we used a unique mouse model that is deficient in the ApoE gene (ApoE KO), which makes them prone to high cholesterol levels. In addition, these mice were exposed to Angiotensin II, a protein responsible for blood vessel constriction leading to high blood pressure. Both high cholesterol and high blood pressure are important risk factors for atherosclerosis in humans as well.

We studied the effect of a specific nutrient mixture containing vitamin C, lysine, proline, EGCG, quercetin, and other nutrients on the key parameters of atherosclerosis.

We observed that the nutrient mixture effectively reduced atherosclerotic fatty plaque deposits in the blood vessels by 60%. The size and severity of the atherosclerotic lesions was 31% lower than in the control group of mice. The supplemented group had 66% lower plasma LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol and 32% lower total cholesterol, which are commonly measured as an indicator of cardiovascular risk.

Additionally, the nutrient mixture also strengthened the artery wall via the deposition of collagen fibers that were 208% stronger than those in the control group.

The animals receiving the micronutrients had 13% fewer abdominal aortic aneurysms, and the frequency of tearing of the aorta was reduced by 41% (due to stronger arteries) compared to those on control diets.