Learning the Benefits and Warnings of Omega Q Plus Resveratrol
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From time to time our Cooper Complete staff receives questions about supplements that are in the news or heavily advertised. We recently had an inquiry about the product, Dr. Sinatra’s Omega Q Plus Resveratrol. Here are our thoughts on this supplement.
Dr. Sinatra’s Omega Q Plus Resveratrol is advertised to “reel in” blood pressure, cholesterol and improve blood flow in one hour.” The supplement contains high levels of B6, B12 and folic acid; 500mg EPA/DHA (combined total), CoQ10, L-Carnitine and Resveratrol.
We believe most consumers like the idea of a “B complex” vitamin, knowing that the B vitamins are going to provide energy and a general pick-me-up. Cooper Complete multivitamins (all formulations) contain higher levels of B6, folic acid and B12. The science behind adding higher levels of B vitamins is that they lower blood levels of homocysteine which has been referred to as the “cholesterol for the 21st century.” Elevated levels of homocysteine are linked to heart disease, stroke, colon cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, the vitamin B6 helps lower C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker for inflammation, which may occur due to injury, infection or fever. Elevated CRP levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The Omega Q product contains levels of B vitamins that are double and triple those in Cooper Complete multivitamins. However, B vitamins are also water soluble, so any excess is quickly eliminated through urination.
The Omega Q product contains omega-3s that come from squid. A review of the supplement facts panel shows that two softgels contain a total of 500 mg EPA and DHA combined, which is half of the daily recommendation that we suggest.
Coenzyme Q10 is also in the product— in the ubiquinone form, the same form found in Cooper Complete Original multivitamin. And L-Carnitine, long suggested as a “fat burner”, is included as well. The average generally healthy person makes plenty of L-Carnitine and the nutrient is also found in meat and dairy. Earlier this year there was a study in the Nature Medicine journal that discussed how L-Carnitine can promote atherosclerosis. Researchers hypothesize that a regular diet of meat probably encourages growth of bacteria that can turn L-Carnitine into trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), a compound that alters the metabolism of cholesterol and slows removal of cholesterol that accumulates on arteries’ walls.
The final ingredient in Omega Q is Resveratrol, a natural antioxidant found in red wine. Antioxidants protect cells in the body from damage by free radicals, naturally occurring substances that are thought to play a role in the prevention of heart disease. The original press on Resveratrol was promising, but Dr. Dipak K. Das, an early researcher of Resveratrol, was later found guilty of fabrication and falsification of Resveratrol data. Despite widespread press and advertising of Resveratrol as being a terrific supplement, there just haven’t been high quality human trials determining the value of Resveratrol on health, and whether or not the ingredient is beneficial to our health remains to be seen.
Supplements have a place in a healthy lifestyle, and one of eight Get Cooperized™ steps includes taking “the right supplements for you.” Look for the scientific research that supports products, and read the literature. Use the internet and look up specific ingredients – a legitimate ingredient will lots of references, including those from medical and teaching institutions. Finally, when you see a big advertisement like the one for Omega Q, proceed with caution. We’re all susceptible to the appeal of a visually appealing web site, magazine or TV ad – just make sure to separate the facts from the hype.
Article provide by Jill Turner, President, Cooper Concepts Inc.