Cardiovascular & Immune System Support Flashcards

Approximately what share of the body's immune tissue is associated with the gut (GALT)?

Answer: About 70%

Roughly 70% of immune tissue sits in gut-associated lymphoid tissue. This is why digestive health is considered foundational to immune function.

From a functional perspective, a moderate fever during infection is generally viewed as:

Answer: A purposeful immune response that hinders pathogens

Elevated temperature speeds up immune cell activity and creates a less hospitable environment for many pathogens. That said, high or prolonged fevers still require medical attention.

Which nutrient is depleted by statin drugs because it shares the same biosynthetic pathway as cholesterol?

Answer: Coenzyme Q10

Statins block HMG-CoA reductase, which is also needed to make CoQ10. CoQ10 is essential for mitochondrial energy production in heart muscle.

Elevated homocysteine, a cardiovascular risk marker, is most directly lowered by adequate:

Answer: Vitamins B6, B12, and folate

Homocysteine is cleared by remethylation (which needs folate and B12) and transsulfuration (which needs B6). Deficiencies in these B vitamins raise homocysteine.

Which vitamin is required to synthesize collagen that maintains blood vessel wall integrity?

Answer: Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a cofactor for the enzymes that stabilize collagen. Deficiency, as in scurvy, weakens vessel walls and causes easy bruising and bleeding gums.

Which mineral helps relax vascular smooth muscle and supports normal heart rhythm?

Answer: Magnesium

Magnesium acts as a natural calcium antagonist. It promotes muscle relaxation, including in blood vessels and heart muscle, and low levels are linked to hypertension and arrhythmias.