The high prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease across the globe encourages people to seek support through supplements. One the the more recent supplements to market is Purica’s Provascin, which claims to support healthy cholesterol, increased energy, and other related benefits.
The flood of so-called heart healthy supplements makes it quite difficult to discern which of these products are backed by science and which are, to put it directly, false. Is this formula from Purica able to repair and regenerate tissues and improve blood circulation? Or is Provascin a more expensive version of an unusable vitamin supplement?
This guide gives a breakdown of the most important, and most useful, Primarily this guide will explain the working mechanisms of the supplements contained on the Provascin ingredients label, the benefits and/or risks of taking this supplement, and most importantly, does the dosage requirements realistically fit into daily lifestyle?
What exactly is a Provascin supplement?
As with many other heart supplements, Provascin is sold as a supplement for cardiovascular support. However, Purica is a Canadian company that focuses on the unique blend of natural formulations with medicinal mushrooms and other vitamins and supplements. Purica supplements are not single blend ingredients (ex: a single other supplement like CoQ10), rather, Provascin is a multi-ingredient synergistic blend. This blend is composed of, and not limited to, a combination of amino acids, various and different kinds of antioxidants, and other supplement plant derived extracts. These ingredients are typically used to improve heart function.
The product is aimed at both people with pre-existing problems and athletes and people interested in prophylactic care. Its main assertions involve the removal of “toxic tissue waste,” assisting in glucose metabolism, and alleviating the symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).
Auxiliary Ingredients / What’s in the Capsule?
The first step to knowing whether a supplement is effective is to look at the back of the label instead of looking at the front of the bottle. With this product, Provascin, the specific combination is eight active elements listed below;
1. L-Carnitine ( 188 mg )
This amino acid is an essential component of many cardiac energy metabolism processes. It is metabolically active, and its primary role is to transport long-chain fatty acids to the mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cells) for energy production. Because the heart is a muscle that works continuously, it requires a considerable amount of energy, which is why L-Carnitine is a key element in many heart health products.
2. Alpha-Ketoglutaric Acid (125 mg)
This component is also commonly known as AKG, and it has a significant role in the Krebs cycle, which is the cycle in which our body generates energy. Additionally, it aids in scavenging excess free ammonia in the bloodstream, which can be detrimental to the body’s tissues during times of stress or heavy exercise.
3. Chaga Mushroom (125 mg)
This ingredient is prominent in Purica products. Chaga is another functional food as it is a medicinal fungal organism containing more than a hundred polysaccharides as well as other antioxidants. They aid, in the reduction of the body’s stress levels, as well as protecting the cells from oxidative stress.
4. Coenzyme Q10 (38 mg)
CoQ10 is arguably the most popular supplement for the heart. CoQ10 as an antioxidant supports and boosts cellular energy production. 38 mg is considered a small dose when compared to other stand-alone capsules that contain 100 mg; however, for this particular formulation, it helps maintain the “synergy” of the formula.
5. Betaine Hydrochloride (31 mg)
Betaine is widely known for its support of the digestive system, but in relation to the cardiovascular system, it helps to control the levels of homocysteine. High homocysteine levels are known to be a risk factor in the development of heart disease along with the damage to the arteries.
6. The Antioxidant Triad
The formula is rounded out with three smaller, yet potent components:
- DL-alpha-lipoic acid (13 mg): Known for its blood sugar regulating and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Grape Seed Extract (9 mg) & Green Tea Extract (9 mg): Both are abundant in polyphenols and bioflavonoids. Their research supports a beneficial effect on the health of blood vessels and the improvement of circulation.
Potential Health Benefits
Provascin, with its distinct ingredient profile, is likely to contain several beneficial properties to its users.
Support for Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Provascin claims support for Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), which occurs when the leg veins have difficulty returning blood to the heart. Blood vessel strengthening and circulation enhancing properties of Grape Seed Extract and Green Tea Extract relieve CVI symptoms, such as leg heaviness and swelling.
Enhanced Cellular Energy
CoQ10, L-carnitine, and Alpha-Ketoglutaric Acid work directly with the mitochondria. This triad energizes the body’s fuel and enhances overall efficiency which helps users who experience fatigue, as well as athletes with post-exercise recovery.
Antioxidant Protection
The cardiovascular system ages as a result of oxidative stress, and an unbalanced concentration of free radicals attacking body tissue exacerbate the problem. A supplement combining Chaga, ALA, and various fruits provides a more comprehensive range of antioxidants to protect heart tissue from oxidative stress and promote overall heart health.
Possible Negative Effects
All components of this supplement are natural, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they are safe for everyone. Although safety risks are lower because of the natural composition, they are still possible.
Possible Drug Interactions
This is the most significant consideration. Some components of Provascin interact with certain prescription medications.
- Anticoagulants: Green Tea Extract and Grape Seed Extract may create an additional, mild anticoagulative effect. If you are taking Warfarin or a similar drug, the supplement may cause an increased risk of bleeding.
- Antihypertensive drugs: Because the supplement aims to improve circulation, it may lower blood pressure. If you are taking prescription hypertension medications, this supplement may cause your pressure to go too low.
Ineligibilities
Based on the general safety data and labeling of the product, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider if you have:
● Any type of liver or kidney disease
● Diabetes (due to blood sugar altering ingredients, in particular, ALA)
● An autoimmune condition
● A lack of iron
Note: If you are pregnant or nursing, taking this product is not advisable.
Instructions and Dosage
Provascin is more than your typical one-a-day multivitamin.
- For Preventative Use: The manufacturer recommends 3 to 4 capsules a day.
- For Use with Active Conditions: The recommendation increases to 6 to 8 capsules a day.
Practical Considerations: It’s easy to overlook the pill count if an Ultimate Therapeutic Kit includes 8 capsules, which means taking up to 120 capsules, only to see these diff capsules bottles empty after 15 days ++ spending 15 CAD a month Not to mention the number of capsules poses a challenge to compliance.
Real User Experiences
Most major supplements have reviews, testimonials, and customer reviews online. The Provascin reviews are scarce. Reviews are available on major supplier sites, through National Nutrition and on Vita mart, but there are no user reviews for Provascin?
- Seemingly low number of reviews would indicate no proven negative side effects.
- Positive reviews but of a low number! Average star count hovers between 4 and 5 – reviews provided no insight into the product.
- Confusing reviews, ingredients (some reviews are about Provascin, but there are no reviews for this product because they have no Provascin reviews). Check to make sure the product specs of the Proica product are matched to make sure it the product the review releases.
Conclusion
Provascin is a respected brand with quality product formulations. It goes beyond standard CoQ10 supplementation by enhancing heart health through additional energy production and other supportive mechanisms, including antioxidant protection and blood flow.
It is a commitment, however. Some may find the daily requirement of 8 pills and the associated price prohibitive. Moreover, because the formulation is active with ingredients that may alter blood flow and blood sugar, it is not a supplement you should start without careful consideration.
Final Verdict: Provascin is a reasonable option for a comprehensive heart formula, especially if you are able to commit to a multi-pill regimen. If you are, however, on any heart medications, professional medical advice must be sought before your first capsule.
