Daily consumption of a multi-compound nutritional supplement can improve endothelial function, reduce arterial stiffness, and lower systolic blood pressure in healthy adults, News-Medical reported following findings published in the European Heart Journal Open.
Vascular aging involves the gradual structural and functional deterioration of blood vessels over time. This biological process increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and related mortality.
Key clinical markers of this decline include endothelial dysfunction, which affects the inner lining of blood vessels, alongside heightened arterial stiffness and elevated blood pressure. These changes are triggered by interconnected cellular processes. Oxidative stress, chronic low-grade inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired nitric oxide bioavailability all accelerate vascular deterioration.
Researchers at the University of Surrey investigated whether combining low doses of multiple bioactive compounds could target these pathways simultaneously. The randomized controlled trial evaluated 61 healthy adults over a six-month period.
Of these participants, 43 completed all study visits and were included in the primary analysis. The intervention group received a daily powder supplement containing vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and plant-derived polyphenols. The control group consumed an identical-looking placebo product lacking active ingredients.
Participants in the intervention group exhibited improved endothelial function after six months of daily supplementation. Endothelial function remained largely unchanged among control participants. Researchers observed vascular improvements just one hour after the first administered dose. Arterial stiffness decreased in the supplement group at six months, while the control group showed an increase in stiffness markers.
Systolic blood pressure decreased in the intervention group over the six-month trial. Diastolic blood pressure showed no statistically significant differences between the two cohorts. Lipid profiles, including total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, remained comparable across both groups at the conclusion of the study.
Investigators calculated that the estimated ten-year risk of first-onset atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease showed a slight reduction in the supplement group. This shift was driven primarily by the observed differences in systolic blood pressure.
- Targeting Multiple Pathways: Instead of focusing on a single nutrient, this supplement combines various vitamins, amino acids, and plant compounds to support blood vessel elasticity.
- Measurable Vascular Improvements: Six months of daily intake improved the ability of blood vessels to dilate properly and lowered systolic blood pressure in healthy adults.
- Preliminary Evidence: While results are promising, the study did not measure actual heart attack or stroke events, meaning larger trials are required.
| Vascular Parameter | Intervention Group (6 Months) | Control Group (6 Months) |
|---|---|---|
| Endothelial Function | Significant improvement | Largely unchanged |
| Arterial Stiffness | Significant reduction | Increase observed |
| Systolic Blood Pressure | Significant reduction | Much smaller reduction |
| Estimated 10-Year CVD Risk | Slight reduction | Increase observed |
NOVOS Labs supported the study by supplying the nutritional supplement and placebo products, alongside providing research funding. One co-author was employed by the company. However, the study authors stated that the funder played no role in the trial design, primary data analysis, or the interpretation of findings.
Several methodological limitations qualify the results. The single-center trial featured a relatively small sample size and participant attrition. Because final measurements occurred approximately 24 hours after the final dose, investigators could not fully distinguish lasting structural vascular changes from residual acute effects of recent supplementation. NOVOS Labs funded the work.
