Nutrition bar restores blood vessel function in those with high cholesterol.

According to a new research study, people with high cholesterol levels were able to restore their arteries' ability to dilate and allow blood to flow in just two weeks by eating two new nutrition bars daily. Maintaining normal blood vessel function is one of the key factors in helping to deliver the right amount of oxygen to the heart, thereby reducing angina pain.

Normal blood vessel function is also important in preventing heart attacks and the progression of heart disease. People who have high cholesterol often have reduced blood vessel function. The HeartBars(tm) stimulate the synthesis of nitric oxide, the body's most potent vasodilator, which helps blood vessels expand and increase blood flow. Those who ate the HeartBars had significantly improved blood vessel function while the placebo group showed no change at all, we're told.

Scientists at Cooke Pharma Inc. (1404 Old County Rd., Belmont, CA 94002) are interested in licensing the technology behind the HeartBar to industry or in collaborating with companies on applications.

Forty-three subjects with hypercholesterolemia and impaired flow-mediated vasodilation were involved in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The treatment group received two HeartBars per day for two weeks. No adverse effects were observed by investigators. This study adds to the substantial scientific evidence demonstrating how dietary management can improve the care of people who have heart disease or have risk factors for heart disease such as obesity, smoking and diabetes. Another research study shows that patients with diagnosed peripheral artery disease who ate two HeartBars a day for two weeks increased the distances they could walk without pain by 66%. These patients could walk 24% father before needing to stop because of pain or fatigue.

Researchers indicate that boosting the ability of the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels) to expand and increase blood flow is an important factor in fighting heart disease. More than a decade of research has established that L-arginine, the main ingredient in the bars, significantly improves circulation and significantly increases pain-free walking distance.

Two HeartBars contain 6.6 g of L-arginine. Normal consumption is 3 g to 5 g/day, which may be insufficient for people with heart disease or risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol, tobacco use, diabetes, high blood pressure and estrogen deficiency. Two HeartBars also contain the preferred levels of vitamins C, E, B6, B12 and folic acid. The soy protein and oat fiber base is also a rich source of phytoestrogens. All the ingredients work together to increase the amount of nitric oxide in the body.

Further information. Darlene Walley, President and Chief Executive Officer; phone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; URL: http://www.cookepharma.com.