CASI Blog
Peer-reviewed nutrition science, organized by topic and section.
Fully-referenced deep dives, written for practitioners and the science-curious.
Nutrition Notes
Quercetin, also known as the “king of the flavonoids," is considered among the top plant-based polyphenolic compounds due to its demonstrated powerful antioxidant properties and ability to support a healthy inflammatory response in the body. This potent flavonol is abundant in various foods recogniz
Nutrition Notes
The relationship between the gut microbiome and the heart is referred to as the ‘gut-heart axis.’ Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiome–its composition and its metabolites–may influence cardiovascular (CV) health.
Immune Support
While most people are familiar with vitamin C’s role in promoting immune health, its lesser-known role is promoting cardiovascular health through its interactions with nitric oxide (NO) and the blood vessel lining, or endothelium. Vitamin C (also referred to as ascorbate) plays a beneficial role in
Nutrition Notes
Modifiable factors such as nutritional status, lifestyle, and toxin exposure can influence cardiovascular health and risk management. Newer research explores the role of certain lifestyle choices in cardiovascular health.
Hormonal Balance
Nitric oxide (NO) is recognized as one of the most important molecules produced by the body. It was named “Molecule of the Year” by Science in 1992, and in 1998, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to the three U.S. scientists responsible for its discovery. Nitric oxide is a messen
Nutrition Notes
Cardiovascular health is influenced by modifiable factors that include inflammatory status. Abnormal inflammatory responses that lead to chronic inflammation are associated with the development and progression of many cardiovascular-related pathologies.
Amino Acids
The body utilizes two critical pathways to maintain nitric oxide (NO) production to promote normal blood pressure and flow, among other vital functions. The first pathway of NO production requires the precursor amino acid L-arginine and a healthy structure and function of the vascular endothelium. U
Nutrition Notes
Oxidative stress is linked to many chronic illnesses throughout the body; including atherosclerosis and many other cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress is caused by an overaccumulation of free radical reactive oxygen species (ROS). The body contains a complex system to control the balance of RO
Nutrition Notes
The inner lining of the blood vessels, also called the vascular endothelium, contains a protective gel-like layer that separates the tissue from circulating blood. This protective layer can be damaged or dysfunctional due to inflammation, certain dietary changes, smoking, and other lifestyle factors
Glucose Metabolism
Nitric oxide (NO) is a messenger molecule that plays a role in nearly every organ system in the body. Nitric oxide regulates hormone secretion, nutrient metabolism, cardiac contractility, smooth muscle relaxation, immune function, and cognitive health, and supports a healthy microbial balance. Healt
Metabolic Health
The vitamin E family consists of two subgroups: tocopherols and tocotrienols. These two subgroups can be broken down further into their corresponding isomers (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta), totaling eight vitamin E isomers. Research suggests that vitamin E tocotrienols exert clinically relevant ben