16 Studies Show that Horse Chestnut Seed Extract Helps Poor Leg Circulation

A total of 13 randomized trials including 1,051 patients, and observational studies including 10,725 patients shows that Horse Chestnut seed extract aids poor circulation in the legs. Poor circulation in the legs is known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Individuals with CVI typically have swollen ankles and calves, they have fluid build up (edema), pain, swelling, calf cramps, and a feeling of leg fatigue or heaviness, they also have itching. In the 13 randomized trials Horse Chestnut seed extract reduced leg swelling, improved leg pain by 4.1-fold, improved edema 1.5-fold, and improved itching 1.7-fold. The observational studies showed a significant improvement in leg pain, swelling, leg heaviness and leg fatigue. The Horse Chestnut was nontoxic and very safe. The study is published in the December 2002 issue of the International Journal of Angiology.

Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph

Other nutrients that help with chronic venous insufficiency include Bilberry, Centella Asiatica, Horsetail Rush Silica, Vitamin C and Citrus Bioflavonoids.

Creatine Monohydrate Improves Teenage Soccer Performance

In a group of 20 young male soccer players aged 15 to18, supplementation with Creatine Monohydrate significantly improved their soccer related skills versus a placebo. Specific dribble test times, sprint-power test times, and vertical jump height all improved significantly over an inactive placebo. The study is published in the February 2004 issue of the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.

Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph

On June 11th, I posted a study relating how Creatine Monohydrate reduced the risk of heat related problems in a group of 72 College football players. It reduced dehydration and heat related dizziness, and significantly reduced muscle cramping, muscle strain, and reduced the number of injuries versus a placebo over a six-month period. Creatine also aids strength, power, endurance, and lean muscle mass in elderly men.

Multiple-Vitamin Mineral Supplementation decreases Blood Pressure in Diabetics

In a study of 69 type 2 diabetics, giving a multiple-vitamin, mineral supplement improved their blood pressure within just 3 months vs. other supplements (a combination of Zinc and Magnesium or a second combination of lower dose vitamin C and vitamin E) and vs. inactive placebo. The systolic blood pressure dropped an average of 8mmHg (the top value in a blood pressure reading), the diastolic dropped an average of 6 mmHg (the bottom value). The study is published in the 2004 issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph

Another recent study shows that taking a multiple-vitamin, mineral combination reduces the risk of infection in diabetics.