Ask the Pharmacist

I suffer from hypertension: can I take Cardiol together with Vitality?

I consume 3 pearls a day of Vitality 1000. I had also bought Cardiol, but suffering from essential hypertension I saw that it is better not to use Cardiol, is that right? Then how many Omega-6s should I consume per day, for example walnuts? Thank you very much




Dear Anthony, 


the contraindication in the package insert is mandatory according to the Ministry of Health regulation for all supplements containing an extract of Citrus aurantium L. 


Citrus aurantium L. extract may contain synephrine, a substance with cardiotonic activity. In Cardiol is a purified extract of the fruit (not of the peel known to be rich in synephrine) titrated in bioflavonoids (tangeretin and nobiletin) with known hypolipidemic properties. 


The dose at which synephrine can cause elevations in blood pressure is 30 milligrams, while in Cardiol it is present in trace amounts of 0.015 milligrams. Considering the insignificant synephrine content, and the fact that Citrus extract is purified, we believe that the portion of the warning regarding individuals with heart disease can be overlooked. According to recent studies, the synephrine content in 200 centiliters of orange juice is around 3 milligrams. 


Regarding Omega-6 intake, I recommend that you eat 5-6 walnuts a day substituting them for your usual snack. I hope I have been helpful and invite you to contact us again for any further clarification or useful information. 


Dr. Rosaria Ramondino Pharmacist and Pharmaceutical Chemist