Supplement Guide to HeartGems

The claims made by the manufacturer of HeartGems are a little hard to believe, so let’s see what this supplement can and cannot do for you. Keep in mind that the statements made by the company have not been evaluated by the FDA, and may not be accurate. As always, you should check with your physician before trying any new supplement, particularly one that is intended for cardiovascular help.

HeartGems, is as the name implies, a supplement to improve the state of your cardiovascular health. The manufacturer claims that they can “estimate how many minutes life will be extended for each serving suggested,” which is, as mentioned previously, a little beyond belief. Of course, they are probably not adding in the chances of being flattened by a bus, but can they really back this statement up?

The ingredients in HeartGems are pretty simple, and include: 150 mg of Vitamin B3, 2.5 mg of Vitamin B5, 12.5 mg of Vitamin B6, 500 mcg of Vitamin B12, 800 mcg of Folate, 15 mg of Magnesium, 2.5 mg of Zinc, and 1.66 grams of a proprietary blend that includes trimethlyglycine, choline bitartrate and inositol. Don’t worry, it’s not your blood pressure making your head spin, it’s just the list of ingredients.

Most of these vitamins can be found in an over-the-counter supplement, but they do have their benefits. Vitamin B3 or Niacin, is commonly used to improve circulation and helps the nervous system function properly. There are no real recommendations for how much Niacin you need each day, but most people get in enough in their diets. Be advised that large doses of Niacin can result in liver damage, skin rashes and peptic ulcers.

Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid helps your body break down fats and carbohydrates. Most whole grain cereals, breads and eggs contain enough for your daily use. The recommended daily amount is 4 to 7 mg, so you won’t be in any danger with this supplement. Vitamin B5 does not usually cause any unwanted side effects.

Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine helps stabilize levels of potassium and sodium, which is very important for cardiovascular health. It is also to assist in the production of red blood cells and is beneficial in supporting the nervous system. The recommended daily amount for adults is 1.4 to 2.0 mgs, which is well below the amount included in this supplement. Large doses have been known to cause clumsiness or numbness of the extremities.

Vitamin B12 or Cobalmine is used to help increase red blood cell production and increase heart health. Low levels of this vitamin have been linked to an increase in heart disease. There are no known side effects of taking too much B12, and the amount in this supplement is well within usual limits.

Folate or Folic Acid is a very important member of the B-Vitamin group and is beneficial for women, particularly pregnant women. It promotes wound healing, fetus development, red blood cell protection and cell growth. However, some people are allergic to ingredients in folate and severe reactions can occur if you take too much. The average recommended daily dose is 400 mcg for adults, but this can range up to 1000 mcg for those who are folate-deficient. The levels in this supplement are a little high, unless you are pregnant or nursing.

Magnesium – This mineral assists the body in maintaining bone, muscle and nerve health. There are several forms of magnesium that are used in supplements, but the manufacturer of HeartGems does not state which one they use. Common side effects from excess doses of magnesium range from cramping to diarrhea, which is to be expected. This is the main ingredient in Milk of Magnesia, a popular over-the-counter laxative.

Zinc – This mineral is used for cell repair and is beneficial in treating colds and many other conditions. The amount in this supplement falls well below the recommended 15 mgs per day, so you shouldn’t run into any problems.

For the proprietary blend, Choline Bitartrate is considered an essential nutrient that assist in proper liver function and is commonly found coupled with B Vitamins. It is found in fish, meat and vegetables. High doses of Choline Bitartrate (over 3 grams) can cause body odor, sweating, vomiting and cramping. The levels included in this supplement should be low enough to avoid these problems. Inositol is considered part of the B complex and helps with depression and reducing blood cholesterol levels. Trimethlyglycine or betaine, is commonly used with Choline and helps maintain liver function and cell growth.

Overall, while this supplement contains some very good ingredients, most can be found in a daily vitamin. The claims that it can extend your life measurably are a little far-fetched, but each of the ingredients can be beneficial. Considering some of the issues with over-dosage, this may be a supplement that should be avoided by some people.