Does Vitamin D Affect Heart Health?

Why was this study done? From many population-based studies, there appears to be a relationship between vitamin D status and cardiovascular disease. This study was designed to help further the knowledge of this relationship. What did the study find? There was a strong relationship between the amount of serum vitamin D measured in 257 volunteers…

Omega-3 Fish Oils and Atherosclerosis

Why was this article written? At the time this article was written, the jury was still out on whether Omega-3 Fish oils were beneficial or not. This article reviewed the evidence to date on the relationship between fish oils and heart disease (atherosclerosis). Marine Lipids and Atherosclerosis: A Review Authors: Davidson MH, Liebson PR. Cardiovasc…

Water-Soluble Guar Gum and Cholesterol Lowering

Why was this study done? Cholesterol lowering can be accomplished through non-pharmacological means (diet, exercise, weight loss) and dietary fiber plays an important role in a cholesterol-lowering plan. This study was designed to investigate the effects of both solid and liquid guar gum on plasma lipid levels (cholesterol, HDL, LDL) in people with moderately high…

Omega-3 Fish Oils and Blood Lipid Levels

Why was this study done? Population studies have long shown a lower incidence of heart disease in cultures who consume a large portion of their diet as cold-water fish. These observations have led to the hypothesis that omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) might be responsible for the cardiovascular effects of these diets. This study was…