Ash Communications Healthcare - 21 July 2003

Cantassium Micro Folic Acid™, the first one a day miniature easy-to-swallow tablet provides the recommended daily intake of this vital nutrient for anyone keen to benefit from aspects of the ‘Polypill’, which recently hit the headlines.

A BMJ article suggested that a ‘Polypill’ containing folic acid, aspirin, a cholesterol-lowering drug and three blood pressure drugs and could significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. However, this type of pill has never been manufactured or proven and would take years before being available to the patient.

Yet just taking folic acid alone can reduce homocysteine levels, which are a serious risk factor for heart disease when elevated, according to a paper published in 2001 in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Furthermore, this essential B vitamin is recommended by the Government’s Chief Medical Officer for women trying to start a family and to the 12th week of pregnancy. Other studies have also investigated its role in reducing rates of Alzheimer’s disease and certain types of cancer.

In addition to taking folic acid, people concerned about their heart disease and stroke risk must take proper medical advice. Larkhall Laboratories, which makes Micro Folic Acid recommends following its MICRO plan, which has been approved by the charity Healthy Heart UK, as follows:

1. Minimum five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and reduced saturated fats intake together with one Micro Folic Acid tablet daily
   

2. Increase exercise to half an hour’s brisk walk each day – in the fresh air but start off gently and build
   up to this gradually
   

3. Consult your health professional if in doubt – not all generally available treatments are suitable for all
   people, particularly aspirin
   

4. Reduce salt intake and alcohol and stop smoking
   One clove of raw garlic daily can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and blood pressure.

Micro Folic Acid™ from Larkhall Laboratories is available in Boots the Chemist and independent chemists nationwide. Its micro formulation means that it is easy to swallow, it comes in a convenient pocket-sized clik-pack and the tablets are suitable for vegans and those on a gluten free diet. A three month supply of 90 tablets costs £4.25.

Healthy Heart UK is a charity, which aims to improve heart disease prevention, by increasing understanding of heart disease among the public and healthcare professionals and ensure that patients are treated according to their needs with the most appropriate therapies.

For more information on Healthy Heart Tel/Fax: 020 8462 9797 or email healthyheartuk@ntlworld.com.

Larkhall is offering a one month supply of Micro Folic Acid to the first 500 people to send a £1 coin to cover postage and packing to: Larkhall Laboratories, Forest Road, Charlbury, Oxford OX7 3HH.

For further information, please contact:

Carys Thomas
Ash Communications Healthcare
Sheraton House
15/19 Great Chapel Street
Soho, London W1F 8FN
Tel: +44 (0)20 7734 5666
Fax: +44 (0)20 7734 9666
carys@ashcommunications.com

Ref: Larkhall laboratories/ folic polypill release - draft