The Heart Health Strategy That Succeeds

Whether your goal is balanced blood pressure, peak circulation, balanced inflammatory responses, or healthy cholesterol levels, you can count on at least one constant in the quest for top-notch heart health: the cell-signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO) will always come into play.

This molecule holds natural vasodilator properties, which are essential for the relaxation of your blood vessels’ smooth muscle cells—collectively known as the endothelium—making for more flexible, free-flowing arteries. Thanks to adequate NO, everything from your cardiovascular and immune system to your cognitive and sexual health can function at their optimal best.

NO declines are a common consequence of aging, as one of your body’s primary NO-converting pathways ceases to create the ample NO supplies you enjoyed in your younger years. This NO-generating pathway is known as the L-arginine pathway—the complex metabolic process by which the amino acid L-arginine is converted into nitric oxide synthases (NOS), which then produces NO.^1-2

As one of the first discovered sources of NO production in the body, it’s no surprise that doctors and scientists have pursued L-arginine supplementation as a way to enhance levels of this critical signaling factor. That’s the main reason you’ll find L-arginine supplementation touted as the ultimate natural strategy to ensure an abundance of NO in your body… and in healthy younger subjects, it may actually work.

Older subjects with reduced endothelial function, however, aren’t so lucky. A number of clinical trials have exposed the failings of this misguided approach, with results showing that L-arginine doesn’t affect measures of vascular flexibility or improve outcomes in participants with cardiovascular concerns.³

In fact, research indicates that subjects with inefficient vascular function are just as likely as their healthy counterparts to have high serum L-arginine concentrations—an observation known as the “arginine paradox.”⁴ And if you already have a number of cardiovascular risk factors linked to subpar endothelial function—like being overweight, having imbalanced blood pressure or cholesterol, or facing challenges with insulin metabolism—supplying your body with more L-arginine simply will not get the job done.

Ultimately, supplementing with L-arginine doesn’t do much for your NO stores when your body is unable to convert it properly. But if L-arginine isn’t the answer, what is an effective natural strategy for increased NO production?

Luckily, scientists have recently discovered a new, more effective solution to revitalize abundant NO levels—one that takes advantage of a completely different metabolic pathway that isn’t limited by common age-related declines in endothelial function. And unlike L-arginine, clinical trials show that this natural combination of ingredients is able to support heart health by replenishing stable NO stores in patients over the age of 40.⁵

You’ll find this novel formula featured as the brand-new supplement Neo40® Daily, available now from Complementary Prescriptions™.

Scientists also have developed a simple at home or in office screening tool that can be used to help identify individuals who may have less than optimal levels of NO. Thanks to these Nitric Oxide Test Strips—available from CP—it’s never been easier to test for levels of this miracle molecule responsible for so many aspects of health.

References:

1. Morris, S.M., Jr., Enzymes of arginine metabolism. J Nutr, 2004. 134(10 Suppl): p. 2743S-2747S; discussion 2765S-2767S.

2. Morris, S.M., Jr., Regulation of enzymes of the urea cycle and arginine metabolism. Annu Rev Nutr, 2002. 22: p. 87-105.

3. Schulman, S.P., et al., L-arginine therapy in acute myocardial infarction: the Vascular Interaction With Age in Myocardial Infarction (VINTAGE MI) randomized clinical trial. Jama, 2006. 295(1): p. 58-64.

4. Boger, R.H. and S.M. Bode-Boger, The clinical pharmacology of L-arginine. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol, 2001. 41: p. 79-99.

5. Zand, J., et al., All-natural nitrite and nitrate containing dietary supplement promotes nitric oxide production and reduces triglycerides in humans. Nutr Res, 2011. 31(4): p. 262-9.