Heart Matters: Essential Supplements for Cardiovascular Protection, Part 2

Carnivore diet controversiesWhat is a normal oxygen saturation?  Mine has been 92-93 lately?  Is that okay?

I've worked for many years on my feet and had surgery on both knees.  How much glucosamine should I take?Can you discuss oral vs. IV chelation?  How do you determine which is appropriate?How important is nitric oxide, and how can I increase mine?Are there any supplements I should stop taking before getting blood tests?

Cardiovascular Protection Beyond Statins--Nattokinase, Vitamin K2 MK-7, and Clinical Cardio Six: Neil Levin of NOW Foods/Protocol for Life Balance details cardiovascular protection beyond cholesterol-lowering drugs, emphasizing nutrient sufficiency, therapeutic “nutraceutical” dosing, and physician partnership with testing. They discuss nattokinase from fermented natto (typical 2,000 fibrinolytic units/day), describing research on reduced fibrinogen, improved blood viscosity and microcirculation, blood-pressure normalization, and higher-dose data suggesting benefits for arterial thickness and lipids without excessive blood-thinning. They review vitamin K: K1 for normal coagulation (risk with Coumadin relates to day-to-day variability) and K2 for calcium metabolism, highlighting MK-7’s longer half-life and potency versus MK-4 and recommending pairing K2 with vitamin D. Levin outlines PFLB Clinical Cardio Six (D3, L-carnitine, hawthorn leaf/flower, solubilized grape seed extract, CoQ10, MK-7), ingredient sourcing/testing, omega-3 benefits, red yeast rice context, and controversy around vitamin E meta-analyses.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Neil Levin, the Senior Nutrition Education Manager and a product formulator for NOW(r) Foods and Protocol for Life Balance. 

Urolithin A (Mitopure) and Mitochondrial Renewal--Muscle, Immune, and Skin Benefits: Jen Scheinman, MS, RDN, CDN, Director of Science Communications at Timeline details urolithin A and Timeline’s branded supplement Mitopure. She describes urolithin A’s discovery through pomegranate research and worm studies showing a 45% lifespan increase. She discusses human research including improved walking distance and clinical outcomes in muscle endurance and strength. Urolithin A is presented as supporting mitochondrial health by promoting mitophagy—recycling damaged mitochondria—distinct from other mitochondrial supports like CoQ10 and NAD precursors. They explain most people cannot produce enough urolithin A from foods because only 30–40% convert precursors via the microbiome and it would require about six cups of pomegranate juice daily. Dosing discussed is 500–1,000 mg/day via gummies, capsules, or powder, with effects developing over months. She reviews emerging research on immune aging, preclinical work on brain and neurodegenerative conditions, and topical urolithin A for skin.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Jen Scheinman, MS, RDN, CDN, Director of Science Communications at Timeline. 

“The quick and the dead”: 80+ “Supermovers” show slowed cognitive decline; Dietary polyphenols help overcome vascular effects of prolonged sitting; Pros and cons of ketamine therapy for depression; Time-restricted eating alters microbiome to promote weight loss; Magnesium—what research reveals about better sleep, stress resilience, and whole-body wellness.

CBD may slow Alzheimer’s progression by tamping down brain inflammation; Fifty million dollar settlement in Gardasil Classic action; Urethral stricture as a side effect of ablation for enlarged prostate; Zero-sugar diet may have unanticipated adverse health consequences; Are there drug-free alternatives for atrial fibrillation? Can you reverse lactose intolerance with a skin patch?

Vitamin K2 (MK-7) and Coronary Artery Calcification: Insights from a 2-Year Trial: Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses a two-year randomized clinical trial in JAMA Cardiology from Maastricht University Medical Center reporting that daily vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7, MK-7) at 360 mcg slowed progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in 180 patients with confirmed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and baseline CAC 50–400 Agatston units. Compared with placebo, consistent MK-7 use was associated with 29% lower CAC progression and 42% less arterial calcium mass progression, though CAC still increased in both groups; stenosis increases were numerically lower with MK-7 but not statistically significant. Leyla notes many participants were on statins and were smokers, highlighting that statins can raise CAC by stabilizing soft plaque via calcification. The trial suggests MK-7 may slow calcification in newer plaques, may improve arterial elasticity via matrix GLA protein activation, is inexpensive and safe, but clinical event reduction remains unproven; Leyla suggests considering MK-7 (possibly 360 mcg) with vitamin D, magnesium, and dietary measures.

World Cup!What did humans eat from the Ice Age to the Bronze Age?What supplements should I avoid while undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer?What is the treatment for sarcoidosis of the lung? Both my friend and his wife have it.