Photo by James Carriére

If you’re proactive about your health, you already take supplements to guard against any nutrient deficiencies that might arise from a less-than-perfect diet. But it might be time to fortify your body to address specific concerns, including aging and sleeping well, heart health, diabetes, and weight management. Our natural health experts offer ideas for taking your supplement routine to the next level with a few less-familiar but science-backed supplements.

HEART HEALTH:

What you're taking now Fish oil, plant stanols/sterols, fiber

Consider:

COENZYME Q10 (CoQ10)

What it is:

A compound made by the body that fuels energy production in muscle cells (including the heart) and scavenges free radicals that can damage blood vessels and hasten plaque formation. Age and cholesterol-lowering statin drugs may dampen CoQ10 production.

How it works:

When taken in conjunction with statin drugs, CoQ10 can prevent side effects such as muscle aches caused by CoQ10 deficiency; in heart attack survivors, CoQ10 may prevent heart attack recurrence and chest pain; in congestive heart failure patients, it helps the heart pump more efficiently and alleviates leg swelling. Also shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Research:

Studies show daily CoQ10 after a heart attack can significantly lessen the chances of recurrence. One 2009 study found that when 23 people on statin drugs took 200 mg of CoQ10 daily for 12 weeks, their side-effects, including poor blood flow to extremities, subsided.

Recommended dose:

100–400 mg daily

Caution:

None

PINE BARK EXTRACT

What it is:

Extract from the bark of French maritime pine trees. Two companies produce patented products (Pycnogenol by Horphag; Toyo-FVG by Toyo Bio-Pharma).

How it works:

A powerful antioxidant also known for its ability to strengthen blood vessel walls and capillaries, and reduce constriction that impairs circulation. Used to improve circulation and reduce high blood pressure.

Research:

Many studies show it dilates vessels and boosts blood flow. One 2008 study of diabetics showed that, after 12 weeks, those who took pine bark extract along with antihypertension medicine showed lower cardiovascular risk factors than the control group; 60 percent were able to cut their conventional medication in half.

Recommended dose:

125 mg daily

Caution:

None

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