Recent studies have found that some common dietary supplements may help protect people from heart disease and stroke.
In one study from Tulane University in New Orleans, researchers found that taking glucosamine supplements regularly may help lower risks of heart disease and stroke.
People who regularly used these supplements had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease events.
Glucosamine is a popular dietary supplement used to relieve osteoarthritis and joint pain.
The team analyzed data from 466,039 people without heart disease. These people completed a questionnaire on supplement use, including glucosamine.
The team found that glucosamine use was linked to a 15% lower overall risk of heart disease, and a 9% to 22% lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and death rate compared with no use.
In addition, the benefit of glucosamine use was stronger in current smokers than in never and former smokers.
The team explains that regular use of glucosamine may help reduce C-reactive protein (CRP), a chemical linked to inflammation. In addition, glucosamine may mimic a low carbohydrate diet, which could benefit heart health.
The study is published in The BMJ.
Another study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that people who take omega-3 fish oil supplements have lower risks of heart disease.
The team found an association between daily omega-3 supplementation and reduced risk of heart attack and death from coronary heart disease but did not see the effect in preventing stroke.
In addition, higher doses of omega-3 fish oil supplements appeared to provide even greater risk reduction.
The team says although public health recommendations should focus on increasing fish consumption, having an overall heart-healthy diet, being physically active, and having other healthy lifestyle practices, this study suggests that omega-3 supplementation may have a role in some patients.
The study is published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
In a study from West Virginia University, researchers found that taking folic acid may protect against stroke and taking omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of heart attack and coronary heart disease.
The researchers analyzed 277 published studies, in which nearly 1 million adults participated.
They found folic acid may help protect against stroke. In addition, taking both calcium and vitamin may actually be harmful. Taking a combination of the two supplements may increase the risk of stroke.
The findings are published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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