The Science Behind Dr. McCullough's Healthy Heart & Muscle Formula

Maintaining optimal cardiovascular and muscle function is essential for overall health and well-being. Dr. Peter McCullough's Healthy Heart & Muscle Formula was carefully formulated with scientifically-validated ingredients that have been shown to support these key functions. The ingredients below work synergistically to enhance muscle performance, exercise endurance, and cardiac function. Keep reading to learn more about the science behind these powerful ingredients and how they might benefit you.

Ingredients

Thiamin 

Thiamin, also known as vitamin B1, is essential for the proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system. It plays a key role in carbohydrate metabolism, helping the body convert food into energy. A deficiency in thiamin can impair cardiac performance [1], so it’s vital to maintain adequate levels of this critical nutrient. 

Riboflavin 

Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, helps the body break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to be used for energy. It is also important for mitochondrial energy metabolism and the biosynthesis of other vitamins [2].  

Vitamin B6 

Vitamin B6 is involved in a variety of crucial biological processes, from protein and carbohydrate metabolism to the biosynthesis of other key vitamins [3]. Emerging research shows it to be a powerful anti-inflammatory agent [4], making it not only beneficial for heart and muscle health, but also immune function. 

Folate 

Folate, or vitamin B9, is important for the production of red blood cells and the metabolism of proteins. It also plays a role in the synthesis of DNA and optimal functioning of the nervous system. Blood folate levels have been shown to be inversely associated with coronary heart disease risk [5]. 

Biotin 

Biotin, or vitamin B7, assists with the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids. It also plays an important role in maintaining optimal health of the hair, skin, and nails [6].  

Pantothenic Acid 

Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, facilitates carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. It also acts as a precursor for coenzyme A, a critical cofactor in fatty acid metabolism [7]. Additional research suggests that pantothenic acid reduces markers of low-grade inflammation which are present in the early-stages of heart disease [8].

Selenium 

Selenium is a trace mineral that plays a role in the immune system and thyroid function. It is also an antioxidant, which means it helps protect the body from damaging free radicals. According to research, selenium deficiency is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease [9]. 

D-Ribose 

D-Ribose is a sugar that is naturally produced by the body and is important for the production of ATP, the body's main source of energy. D-ribose has been shown to help improve body composition, exercise performance and muscle function [10]. 

L-Carnitine 

L-Carnitine is an amino acid that helps the body produce energy in the form of ATP. It has been shown to have a myriad of benefits for athletic performance, such as improved maximal oxygen consumption, higher power output, and prevention of muscle atrophy [11]. 

Coenzyme Q10 

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like antioxidant that plays a vital role in converting food into energy, and protects our cells from damage associated with exposure to toxic free radicals. It has been shown to exert a protective effect on the heart through a variety of mechanisms, such as reduced blood pressure, improved endothelial function, and reduced blood lipids [12]. 

References 

[1] Wooley, J. A. (2008). Characteristics of thiamin and its relevance to the management of heart failure. Nutrition in clinical practice, 23(5), 487-493. 

[2] Mosegaard, S., Dipace, G., Bross, P., Carlsen, J., Gregersen, N., & Olsen, R. K. J. (2020). Riboflavin deficiency—implications for general human health and inborn errors of metabolism. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(11), 3847. 

[3] Parra, M., Stahl, S., & Hellmann, H. (2018). Vitamin B6 and its role in cell metabolism and physiology. Cells, 7(7), 84. 

[4] Bird, R. P. (2018). The emerging role of vitamin B6 in inflammation and carcinogenesis. Advances in food and nutrition research, 83, 151-194. 

[5] Wang, Z. M., Zhou, B., Nie, Z. L., Gao, W., Wang, Y. S., Zhao, H., ... & Wang, L. S. (2012). Folate and risk of coronary heart disease: a meta-analysis of prospective studies. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 22(10), 890-899. 

[6] Zempleni, J., & Kuroishi, T. (2012). Biotin. Advances in Nutrition, 3(2), 213-214. 

[7] Miller, J. W., & Rucker, R. B. (2020). Pantothenic acid. In Present knowledge in nutrition (pp. 273-287). Academic Press. 

[8] Jung, S., Kim, M. K., & Choi, B. Y. (2017). The long-term relationship between dietary pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) intake and C-reactive protein concentration in adults aged 40 years and older. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 27(9), 806-816.

[9] Flores-Mateo, G., Navas-Acien, A., Pastor-Barriuso, R., & Guallar, E. (2006). Selenium and coronary heart disease: a meta-analysis. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 84(4), 762-773. 

[10] Van Gammeren, D., Falk, D., & Antonio, J. (2002). The effects of four weeks of ribose supplementation on body composition and exercise performance in healthy, young, male recreational bodybuilders: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Current therapeutic research, 63(8), 486-495. 

[11] Fielding, R., Riede, L., Lugo, J. P., & Bellamine, A. (2018). L-carnitine supplementation in recovery after exercise. Nutrients, 10(3), 349. 

[12] Gutierrez-Mariscal, F. M., de la Cruz-Ares, S., Torres-Peña, J. D., Alcalá-Diaz, J. F., Yubero-Serrano, E. M., & López-Miranda, J. (2021). Coenzyme q10 and cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidants, 10(6), 906.