I suffer from hypertension: can I take Cardiol together with Vitality?
I take 3 pearls a day of Vitality 1000. I had also bought Cardiol, but since I suffer from essential hypertension, I saw that it is better not to use Cardiol, is that correct? Also, how much Omega-6 should I consume daily, for example walnuts? Thank you very much.
Dear Antonio,
The contraindication contained in the leaflet is mandatory according to the Ministry of Health regulations for all supplements containing an extract of Citrus aurantium L.
The Citrus aurantium L. extract may contain synephrine, a substance with cardiotonic activity. In Cardiol, it is a purified extract of the fruit (not the peel, which is known to be rich in synephrine) standardized in bioflavonoids (tangeretin and nobiletin) known for their lipid-lowering properties.
The dose at which synephrine can cause increases in blood pressure is 30 milligrams, while in Cardiol it is present in traces amounting to 0.015 milligrams. Considering the negligible synephrine content, and the fact that the Citrus extract is purified, we believe that the warning related to patients with heart disease can be disregarded. According to recent studies, the synephrine content in 200 centiliters of orange juice is about 3 milligrams.
Regarding Omega-6 intake, I recommend eating 5-6 walnuts per day, replacing one of your usual snacks. I hope I have been helpful and I invite you to contact us again for any other clarification or useful information.
Dr. Rosaria Ramondino Pharmacist and Pharmaceutical Chemist
