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Vitamins C and E and L-arginine Raise Nitric
Oxide
for Increased Cardiovascular Protection
What Is Nitric Oxide?
The body produces a wide variety of chemical mediators, or vasoactive
factors, that can either enlarge or reduce the size of blood vessels.
One of the most important is endothelium-derived relaxation
factor (EDRF) also called nitric oxide. This
particular chemical is a vasodilator which increases the size of the
blood vessel for maintaining healthy blood pressure and increased blood
flow for delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues such as the heart
and lungs. Nitric oxide also reduces excessive clotting and inflammation
of arteries protecting against a heart attack and stroke.
Experiment Reveals
Increased Nitric Oxide Production
Dr. Louis Ignaaro and other researchers at the University of California
located in Los Angeles conducted an experiment with mice with abnormally
high cholesterol levels and atherosclerotic lesions, or plaque on the
artery walls. The mice were separated into three groups and all were
fed a high-cholesterol diet. The experiment was conducted for 18 weeks.
Mice in Group 1 - Received high-cholesterol diet only.
Mice in Group 2 - Received high-cholesterol diet plus the vitamins C and E.
Mice Group 3 - Received high-cholesterol diet plus the vitamins C and E and the amino acid L-arginine.
After two weeks some of the mice in each group were put on a program of moderate exercise.
(Results of 18 Week
Experiment)
Weight Loss and Reduced Cholesterol
All of the mice that performed moderate exercise lost weight and reduced
overall cholesterol levels when compared to the mice that who did not
exercise or receive any supplements.
Increased Results
with the Supplements C and E
It’s interesting to note that the mice who exercised but did not receive
any supplements, C and E, reduced their atherosclerotic lesions, or
arterial plaques, by 35%. However, the mice who did not exercise but
did receive the supplements had a 40% reduction. Dr. Ignarro stated
“the supplements work well even in the absence of exercise.”
Greater Results with
the Combination of Exercise, C, E, and L-arginine
In the mice that exercised, received the antioxidant supplements C and
E, and the amino acid
L-arginine the results were even greater in that they had most regression
of atherosclerotic lesions, or plaque removal from the arteries.
Dr. Ignarro and the other researchers credit the superior results to the increase of nitric oxide from the moderate exercise and L-arginine. As was stated at the beginning nitric oxide naturally dilates the blood vessels lowering blood pressure, reduces the risk of abnormal clotting and inflammation of the arteries. The antioxidants, C and E, not only protect against oxidative damage to cholesterol and other blood fats which when oxidized are more susceptible to sticking to the artery wall, but they also protect the nitric oxide from being destroyed allowing it to increase to higher levels, offering greater cardiovascular benefits.
Note: Based on Dr. Ignaaro’s information this is the first study that shows that a regular planned program of exercise along with the taking of the correct dietary supplements can enhance the natural production of nitric oxide. He also promotes that people should engage in a regular program of moderate exercise and a low-fat healthy diet along with dietary supplements. And Dr. Ignarro says, “It works in mice, it’ll work in humans.”
Supplements for People
Not being a mouse I suppose many people are asking how much vitamin
C and E and L-arginine do I need? Based on the research of Linus Pauling,
Dr. Rath, and others who have been helping thousands of people with
their cardiovascular health, 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C three times
day with meals. Preferably it should be a non-acid form such as magnesium
ascorbate, or Ester-C. Make sure it has bioflavonoids as it increases
C’s effectiveness and is cardio-protective as well.
As for vitamin E around 400 IU daily if you are 40 or less and 800 IU if over 40. Make sure it is a natural form of d-alpha with all of the isomers such as alpha, beta, delta, and gamma. If you are taking blood thinners or have high blood pressure check with your physician first and increase slowly.
As for L-arginine 500 mg twice
daily on an empty stomach. However, I prefer the amino acid L-Citrulline.
It converts into L-arginine as needed by the body and does not have
some of the side effects that L-arginine can have such as upsetting
the stomach and may increase the amount of Herpes simplex (cold sores)
outbreaks.
L-Citrulline also helps detoxify the liver through its role in converting
ammonia into urea.
As always, if you are taking any medications inform your physician to check for any possible interactions before taking the supplements.
Napoli C, Williams-Ignarro S, de Nigris F, et al. Long-term combined beneficial effects of physical training and metabolic treatment on atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemia mice. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science of the United States of America 2004 May 28.
Tortora, Gerard J, Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 8th Edition 1996, HarperCollins Publishers Inc.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to provide medical advice which should always be obtained from a qualified health practitioner, and has not been approved by the U.S. FDA
