Nutritional supplements improve symptoms of peripheral vascular disease

A new study published in the June 2005 issue of the Journal of Nutrition indicates that a combination of nutrients known to help protect against cardiovascular disease also helps to improve the risk factors and symptoms of peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Peripheral vascular disease is a blockage of the arteries in the legs caused by atherosclerosis. Due to inadequate blood supply, the condition often causes cramping pain in the legs that occurs during walking.

Sixty men with PVD were divided into two groups. The treatment group received a daily fortified milk product that contained 200 milligrams eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 130 milligrams docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 5.12 grams oleic acid, 150 micrograms folic acid, and vitamins A, B6, D, and E. The control group received skimmed milk with added vitamins A and D. Blood samples were drawn at the beginning of the 12 month study and every three months until the study's conclusion.

Pain free walking distance progressively increased after the third month by up to 3.5 times in the group that received the supplements, while the group that received the skim milk experienced nonsignificant improvements. A measurement of blood pressure ratio between the ankle and brachial artery improved in the treatment group, but not in the control group. The treatment group experienced a drop in total cholesterol, ApoB, and homocysteine among those in whom it was previously elevated.

These findings provide evidence for the role of nutrition in reducing the symptoms PVD as well as general cardiovascular disease.