In The Lab | Heart Attack Risks

Q & A

Q
In "Inside The Foundation's Laboratory," (October 1999, p. 8), you stated ". . . the results from the Foundation's laboratory indicates that it takes more than folic acid to reduce serum homocysteine to a level where it ceases to be a risk factor for causing a heart attack." Other than folic acid and the vitamins B6 and B12, what other factors are important in decreasing homocysteine levels?

A Another item we recommend to reduce homocysteine levels is trimethylglycine (TMG). A healthy diet that excludes foods rich in methionine such as beef, chicken and pork is important, as methionine is the precursor amino acid to homocysteine. If you eat a lot of meat, then take extra TMG and vitamin B6.

Q Is it critical to take Natural Estrogen on an empty stomach? What is the recommended dosage?

A While many people feel herbs are best taken on an empty stomach, it may take a trial-and-error experiment on your part to determine whether it is necessary. Some do have that preference, but it may not be critical. Do keep in mind that an "empty stomach" is taken to mean at least three hours after, or one to one-and-one-half hours before, a meal. The recommended dosage for Natural Estrogen is twice per day.

Q A few years back there were some rather interesting claims regarding L-arginine pyroglutamate/L-lysine HCl and HGH release. I have noticed that you do not offer any form of this combination, and this prompted me to wonder, Is there any real evidence that this particular combination works for HGH release? Were the claims of 300% increases in HGH release over control subjects actually an inflated claim used to sell inferior products?

A It is not our understanding that any of the growth hormone-promoting aminos are capable of a 300% increase in IGF-1 levels across the board. In fact, there is little to no scientific proof that any of the HGH promoters on the market today are capable of such a feat. We recommend combinations such as the one contained in our Natural Growth Hormone Releasing Formula. Do keep in mind that many individuals need to greatly increase their dosages (from the recommended ones) to effectively see results.