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LE Magazine December 2002
Studies
confirm that B-vitamins protect against
coronary occlusion
Two separate studies published in the Journal of the American Medical
Association (JAMA)
and New England Journal of
Medicine demonstrated the benefits of
homocysteine-lowering therapy in those with severe coronary
artery disease.
These studies were conducted on heart disease patients who
underwent angioplasty procedures to re-open occluded coronary
arteries. Angioplasty is the surgical repair of an artery.
When it comes to treating angina, this procedure normally
involves the insertion of a catheter into an extremity artery
that is then threaded into a coronary artery where a balloon
is inflated. The balloon compresses the atherosclerotic plaque
against the arterial wall, resulting in an immediate increase
in blood flow to the heart. The major limitation of this
procedure is that restenosis (re-occlusion of the artery)
often occurs within a relatively short time period.
In the JAMA study [2002
Aug 28;288(8):973-9], about half of 553 patients who underwent
angioplasty were randomly assigned to homocysteine-lowering
therapy, consisting of a combined daily regimen of 1000 mcg of
folic acid, 400 mcg of vitamin B12, and 10 mg of vitamin B6
for six months. Compared to placebo, the patients receiving
the vitamin supplements experienced a 38% decrease in the need
for repeat angioplasties or heart bypass operations.
An earlier New England Journal
of Medicine study [2001 Nov 29;345:1593-600] showed
similar findings in 205 patients. Compared to placebo, those
who received the vitamin supplements showed a 48% decrease in
the need for another angioplasty or bypass surgery within the
first six months post-operatively. The short length of these
studies reflects the fact that restenosis (re-narrowing of the
artery after therapy) usually occurs within six months of
surgery in about 40% of trimethylglycine (TMG) patients.
While these studies are impressive, original research
funded by The Life Extension Foundation [Life Extension magazine, March
1995] showed that the actual dosing required to optimally
lower homocysteine to safe ranges varies widely between
individuals. This means while moderate doses of folic acid,
vitamins B12 and B6 are suitable for some people, others need
much higher amounts.
Some progressive cardiologists are now prescribing
B-vitamins to lower homocysteine, but few of them check their
patients blood to verify that enough vitamins are being
consumed. This negligence is equivalent to prescribing an
anti-hypertensive drug and never checking the patient's blood
pressure to verify that the drug is working.
Ideally, homocysteine levels should be below 7 (umol/L of
blood) to protect against angina and heart attack. In the
JAMA study, homocysteine
levels were lowered to 7.47 umol/L. Perhaps more aggressive
therapy (using trimethylglycine [TMG] and/or additional B6)
would result in even better results.
Side effects
of HRT in women
Hormone
Replacement Therapy (HRT) in women increases the risk of
dangerous, even life-threatening diseases, according to a
British article that confirmed the findings of an earlier
American study. Researchers at the British charity, Cancer
Research UK, conducted a review of four previous studies
focusing on the
adverse effects of HRT [Beral V et al. Lancet 2002 Sept
21;360(9337):942]. They found that women who used the therapy
for at least five years faced a higher risk of breast cancer,
stroke and pulmonary blood clots. They also found a lower risk
of bowel cancer and hip fractures. The results were
consistent, even though each trial employed varying methods,
the researchers pointed out.
The
meta-analysis, which focused on a combined 20,000
postmenopausal women, confirmed the findings of the American
trial known as the Women's Health Initiative. In that study,
the effects of combined estrogen and progestin were analyzed.
The British meta-analysis focused on the effects of combined
HRT, as well as estrogen monotherapy.
Likewise,
researchers at The Oregon Health and Science University in
Portland conducted a similar review of the medical literature
to determine the safety of HRT [Nelson HD et al. JAMA 2002 Aug
21;288(7):872-81]. "Although postmenopausal hormone
replacement therapy (HRT) is widely used in the United States,
new evidence about its benefits and harms requires
reconsideration of its use for the primary prevention of
chronic conditions," the scientists noted.
After assessing
studies dating as far back as 1966, the researchers concluded
that even though HRT provides benefits relative to menopause,
osteoporosis and colorectal cancer, it increases the risk of
heart disease, stroke, thromboembolic events, breast cancer
with long-term use, and a chronic inflammatory disorder of the
gallbladder known as cholecystitis.
-John
Martin
American Thyroid Association
warns of inadequate potassium iodide stockpiles
At Chernobyl, the
site of history's worst nuclear power plant accident, some
fortunate residents in the surrounding areas were able to take
potassium iodide (KI) tablets in the aftermath. Those that
took potassium iodide now have much lower rates of thyroid
cancer. No better real-life example of the effectiveness of
properly timed doses of KI for the protection of the thyroid
gland against radioactive iodine (RI)-one of the most abundant
components of radioactive fallout-exists. Authorities know it
works. It's inexpensive and the likelihood of adverse effects
with the pills is virtually nil. In the aftermath of September
11th, the likelihood of a terrorist attack on nuclear power
plants or an attack using devices that produce radioactive
fallout has become a grim but altogether plausible prospect.
And yet, the government has hesitated to supply citizens who
live near nuclear power plants with stockpiles of potassium
iodide.
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The American
Thyroid Association (ATA) released a statement following its
annual meeting that brings this issue to light. This
association of experts on thyroid health has determined that
while current programs in the U.S. do exist, they are woefully
inadequate. Of the 34 states that either have an operating
nuclear power plant or are located within 10 miles of a
nuclear power plant, only 16 have accepted or implemented the
KI distribution program offered by the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC) last December. This program would allow for
the distribution of free potassium iodide supplies within a
10-mile radius of nuclear facilities. Two states have their
own KI programs. According to the ATA, this level of
participation falls far short of what should be in place.
The ATA also
stated that a 10-mile radius is not sufficient for KI
distribution. It is well known among those who have studied
the patterns of radioactive iodine fallout that this substance
can drift hundreds of miles, and that it's certainly not
likely to only affect those in a 10-mile radius around an
accident or explosion. The Public Health Security and
Bioterrorism Bill, has since recommended an increase in
potassium iodide distribution to a 20-mile radius, but the
American Thyroid Association posits that the ideal radius is
actually 200 miles.
Some experts have
stated that the lag in implementing KI stockpiling programs
has mostly to do with the nuclear power industry's concern
about its image. While the debate between the NRC, government
and those who favor increased KI stockpiles goes on, the
public's best bet is to purchase their own supplies of
potassium iodide. A 14-day supply of 130 mg tablets for each
person is an inexpensive insurance plan against RI in these
uncertain times.
Potassium iodide
works by flooding the thyroid gland-a butterfly-shaped gland
in the neck that regulates metabolism-with safe, stable
iodine. This prevents radioactive iodine from being taken up
by the gland. In the case of radioactive iodine fallout, those
who are not protected by KI will end up with excessive amounts
of radioactivity concentrated in their thyroid glands. Over
time, this will cause thyroid damage and, eventually may lead
to thyroid cancer.
If you do
purchase KI, please be aware that it won't work if taken
before a nuclear accident. The timing of the dosages is
crucial. Only take KI when notified to do so by public health
officials.
-Melissa
Block
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