WAFACS Study Highlights Need for Research Focused on Prevention; Vitamins Do Not Compensate for an Unhealthy Lifestyle

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. (November 13, 2006) — Pharmavite LLC, maker of Nature Made® vitamins, says the Women’s Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study (WAFACS) presented today at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2006 in Chicago, Ill, reinforces the need for research focused on prevention, not disease therapy. The study evaluated folic acid and other B vitamins in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in women aged 40 and over with a history of cardiovascular disease or who had three or more risk factors.

“B vitamins and all vitamins are meant to be taken as part of an overall healthy lifestyle to support long-term health,” said Carroll Reider, RD, director, scientific affairs and education, Pharmavite. “Vitamins should not be considered a cure-all for disease, nor should they be studied as treatments. What is needed is a firm commitment to continue to research vitamins and their role in long-term prevention.”

The B vitamin arm of the WAFACS trial, which included 5,442 women, concluded that folic acid and other B vitamins did not prevent cardiovascular disease in women with advanced heart disease. The lead researcher did note that the study found no safety issues related to B vitamin supplement use, and people taking the supplement for other reasons, especially pregnant women, should continue its use. More than 35 percent of women over 19 do not meet the Daily Reference Intake (DRI).

Previous vitamin B studies are consistent in showing that they can help lower homocysteine levels and maintain cardiovascular health. For example, one major study suggests that a 25 percent decrease in homocysteine is associated with an approximate 10 percent decrease in the risk of coronary heart disease and a 20 percent decrease in the risk of stroke . Folic acid and B vitamins are essential for maintaining overall good health and are keys to the metabolic functions of converting food into energy. Folic Acid supplementation is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Institute of Medicine and March of Dimes for women of child-bearing age.

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About Pharmavite LLC For more than 30 years, Pharmavite has earned and maintained the trust of pharmacists, consumers, and retailers by manufacturing high-quality vitamins, minerals, herbs and other dietary supplements that are safe, effective and science-based. An industry leader, Pharmavite adheres to manufacturing standards recommended by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a not-for-profit organization that has set pharmaceutical and dietary supplement quality standards since 1820. In addition, Pharmavite participates in USP’s Verification Program for dietary supplements.