Heart disease is the leading cause of death around the world, and many people are looking for ways to keep their hearts healthy. Besides eating well, exercising, and not smoking, there’s a lot of interest in whether vitamins and supplements can help protect the heart.
While some supplements may offer benefits, research shows that not all of them work the way people expect—and some may even be unnecessary if you already eat a balanced diet.
One of the most commonly discussed supplements for heart health is omega-3 fatty acids, often found in fish oil capsules. Omega-3s are known to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and help prevent irregular heartbeats. Several large studies have shown that people who eat fish regularly have a lower risk of heart attacks and stroke.
However, when it comes to fish oil pills, the research is more mixed. A major 2018 study called the VITAL trial followed over 25,000 adults in the U.S. and found that omega-3 supplements slightly reduced the risk of heart attacks but didn’t have a big effect on strokes or overall heart health.
The benefit seemed strongest in people who ate very little fish to begin with. So, if you don’t eat fish, a supplement may help, but if you do, you probably don’t need it.
Another vitamin that gets attention is vitamin D. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to a higher risk of heart disease in some studies. However, taking vitamin D supplements doesn’t always lead to better outcomes.
In the same VITAL study, vitamin D supplements didn’t lower the risk of major heart events. Still, if a blood test shows that you’re low in vitamin D, your doctor might recommend supplements—not for heart health specifically, but for bone health and general wellness.
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is another popular supplement. It’s a natural substance made by the body that helps with energy production in cells. Some people with heart failure have lower levels of CoQ10, and research shows that taking it may improve symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that people with heart failure who took CoQ10 had fewer hospital visits and lived longer. It’s generally considered safe, although it may interact with some medications like blood thinners.
Magnesium is also important for heart function, as it helps keep the heartbeat regular and supports muscle and nerve function. Low magnesium levels have been linked to high blood pressure and heart rhythm problems.
Some studies show that magnesium supplements can help lower blood pressure slightly, especially in people who are deficient. But for most people, eating magnesium-rich foods like nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy greens is the best approach.
B vitamins, especially B6, B12, and folic acid, have also been studied because they help control levels of homocysteine, a substance in the blood that may be linked to heart disease. While lowering homocysteine with these vitamins sounds promising, research hasn’t consistently shown that it leads to fewer heart problems.
For example, a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that even though B vitamins lowered homocysteine levels, they didn’t reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Overall, the best way to protect your heart is still through healthy lifestyle choices—eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, exercising regularly, not smoking, and managing stress. Vitamins and supplements can be helpful in specific cases, especially if you have a deficiency or a health condition, but they are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.
Before taking any supplement, it’s important to talk to your doctor, especially if you take medications or have existing health conditions. Some supplements can interfere with drugs or cause side effects if taken in large doses.
In the end, pills can support heart health—but they’re not a magic fix. A healthy life starts with what’s on your plate, how you move your body, and how you take care of your overall wellbeing.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies that herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm, and how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies that apple juice could benefit your heart health, and results showing yogurt may help lower the death risks in heart disease.
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