Supplements for Maintaining Cardiovascular Health

The past decade has seen significant growth in condition-specific health supplements. According to Packaged Facts, condition-specific health supplements make up about 33 percent of the total nutritional supplement sales. Driving and pushing these upward sales statistics are the baby boomers and the elderly. People that fall into these categories are constantly looking for scientifically-based supplements for preventive healthcare. High interest in living longer with an active lifestyle and income at their disposal makes them a target demographic for supplement companies.

Among condition-specific nutritional supplements, nutrients that support cardiovascular health are among the most sought-after by baby boomers and the elderly. It is easy to see why:

• Cardiovascular disease is still the number one killer in the United States. The American Heart Association states that there are nearly 2,600 deaths due to cardiovascular disease every day—one death in every 34 seconds.
• According to statistics by the Center of Disease Control (CDC) younger baby boomers are in the mid-forties and the older ones are in their mid-sixties. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease is estimated to be 15.5 percent for younger baby boomers and 50 percent for older ones.
• With obesity becoming more widespread in America, especially amongst baby boomers and the elderly, the CDC estimates that by the year 2031, people with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) will make up to 65 to 75 percent of the population.

Trends in nutritional supplements show that baby boomers are seeking popular heart-health supporting supplements like fish oils, multi-vitamins, herbs, phytosterols and nutrients for supporting cardiovascular health.

• Phytosterols – Studies1-2 show that phytosterols may be used to lower low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Elevated levels of LDL in the blood are associated with higher instances of cardiovascular disease. Phytosterols are already being used as functional food ingredients and are also being used as a vital nutrient in heart health supplements.
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) – ALA is a powerful antioxidant and studies show that it may reduce cardiovascular risk factors and help regulate normal blood pressure.
• Alpha-carotene and beta-carotene - New studies show that these antioxidants may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. They help support healthy blood pressure and normal cholesterol levels.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – CoQ10 is a vital nutrient for heart health. Not only does it help in the production of energy for performing vital functions of the heart, it also helps to support cardiovascular health. Research shows that it helps to strengthen heart muscles and improves pumping capacity. 3
• Fish oil supplements – Research on fish oil, and its positive influence on heart health, makes this a popular consumer choice. Fish oil is known to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and regulate blood pressure. It is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties.4 The FDA approved a qualified health claim for dietary supplements containing EPA and DHA in 2000. It allowed manufacturers to state that omega 3 fatty acids contain properties that can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular heart disease.
• According to Packaged Facts, the nutritional supplement industry grew 17.3 percent from 2003 to 2007. During this time period, it was reported that fish oil supplements generated the highest volume of sales. This upward trend continues, despite lawsuits claiming certain fish oil supplements exceeded tolerable levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). A consumer survey conducted by ConsumerLab.com showed that 74 percent of the respondents took fish oil supplements regularly, with just 72 percent saying they took multi-vitamins. Omega-3 supplements are now the leading supplement choice amongst Americans.
• Fiber – Research shows that fiber can reduce cholesterol and thereby the risk for cardiovascular disease. In July 2003, the FDA approved a qualified health claim that states fiber may reduce the risk of heart disease.
• L-Carnitine – A compound derived from amino acids. Several studies show that it may be effective in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• L-Arginine – Supports endothelial functions. It also helps to increase stamina and endurance in patients who suffer from cardiovascular disease.
• Vitamin E – An antioxidant that supports healthy heart tissue.
• Vitamin C – Also an antioxidant. Studies show that supplementing may help to reduce cardiovascular disease.
• Vitamin D supplementation is believed to regulate healthy blood pressure and known to benefit cardiovascular health.
• Folic acid supports healthy homocysteine levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Resveratrol is an antioxidant found in red grapes, and therefore in red wine. It is a powerful antioxidant and supports arterial and cardiovascular health.
• Other herbs and nutrients include selenium, magnesium, ginseng, green tea, turmeric and chlorella.

The quest for preventive heart healthcare is a priority for baby boomers and the elderly. With new research finding support amongst the medical profession and the alternative medical community, a significant growth in the sales of heart health supplements is predicted. Consult with a quality supplement manufacturer to find out how you can product a well-formulated, market-ready heart health supplement.

References:

1. Berger A, Jones PJ, Abumweis SS. Plant sterols: factors affecting their efficacy and safety as functional food ingredients. Lipids Health Dis. 2004;3(1):5.
2. Katan MB, Grundy SM, Jones P, Law M, Miettinen T, Paoletti R. Efficacy and safety of plant stanols and sterols in the management of blood cholesterol levels. Mayo Clin Proc. 2003;78(8):965-978.
3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12014839
4. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/omega3/introduction.htm