Extract combination may prevent DVT

A new supplement containing pinokinase - a combination of pine bark extract and fermented soybean extract - may help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and swelling on flights, according to a new study in this month's issue of Angiology​.

The study, entitled 'The prevention of venous thrombosis in long-haul flights - the Lonflit-Flite randomised control trial', was carried out by Professor Gianni Belcaro, one of the world's leading specialists in vascular health, and colleagues.

The team of scientists studied FliteTabs​, a new natural non-toxic nutraceutical product that contains pinokinase, a supplement developed by scientists at the Aidan Foundation​ in the USA to promote deep vein health and prevent swelling on long haul flights.

The team found that the product prevented DVT in both high risk and other subjects, and reduced leg, feet and ankle swelling during long-haul flights.

Seven of the 92 people in the control group (7.6 per cent) had blood clots, while of the 94 people who took the extract no-one had a clot. In addition, the team noted that leg swelling decreased in the people who took the extract, while swelling increased in people who took the placebo.

Currently the only other viable means of preventing these potentially deadly blood clots are drugs such as injectable Heparin or support stockings. According to www.airhealth.org, as many as 100,000 people die each year in the US from flight related DVT and its complications.

Belcaro remarked: "This study, when extrapolated to the general flying population may be more important and significant. Flite Tabs offers an important preventative option, without increasing risks (due to use of drugs) or costs."​

Professor Belcaro will be presenting data from this study at a Vascular Medicine conference at The Royal Society of Medicine on October 10th 2003.

For further information contact: Liz Vater at Kushti Consulting on +44 (0) 7779 228 969.