US EPA

8171675 

Journal Article 

Nutritional supplement program halts progression of early coronary atherosclerosis documented by ultrafast computed tomography 

Rath, M; Niedzwiecki, A 

1996 

Yes 

Journal of Applied Nutrition
ISSN: 0021-8960 

48 

3 

68-78 

English 

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a defined nutritional supplement program on the natural progression of coronary artery disease. This nutritional supplement program was composed of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and trace elements, including a combination of essential nutrients patented for use in the prevention and reversal of cardiovascular disease. The study was designed as a prospective intervention before-after trial over a 12 month period and included 55 patients (age 44-67) with various stages of coronary heart disease. Changes in the progression of coronary artery calcification before and during the nutritional supplement intervention were determined by Ultrafast Computed Tomography (Ultrafast CT). The natural progression rate of coronary artery calcification before the intervention averaged 44% per year. The progression of coronary artery calcification decreased on average 15% over the course of one year of nutritional supplementation. In a sub-group of patients with early stages of coronary artery disease, a statistically significant decrease occurred, and no further progression of coronary calcification was observed. In individual cases, reversal and complete disappearance of previously existing coronary calcifications were documented. This is the first clinical study documenting the effectiveness of a defined nutritional supplement program in halting early forms of coronary artery disease within one year. The nutritional supplement program tested here should be considered an effective and safe approach to prevention and adjunct therapy of cardiovascular disease. 

Coronary heart disease; nutritional supplements; Ultrafast Computed Tomography