Scientists from Tianjin Medical University and other institutions have found that adequate intake of zinc and vitamin B6 is linked to a lower risk of death from heart disease.
The study was conducted by Naijian Zhang and colleagues and published in Nutrients.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin naturally found in many foods and commonly added to fortified foods and supplements.
It plays important roles in the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats; maintaining normal homocysteine levels (as high homocysteine can increase heart disease risk); and supporting immune and brain function.
Zinc is an essential mineral involved in DNA synthesis, cell growth, protein building, wound healing, and immune system function.
Adequate zinc intake is especially important during periods of rapid growth—such as childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy. It also plays a role in the senses of taste and smell.
Previous studies have suggested that dietary intake of zinc and vitamin B6 may be linked to reduced risks of heart disease and all-cause mortality, but the evidence has been inconsistent.
In the current study, researchers analyzed data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 1999 and 2016.
A total of 36,081 adults were followed for approximately 10 years, during which 4,757 deaths occurred.
The findings showed that:
- Higher dietary zinc intake (≥ 9.87 mg per day) was associated with a lower risk of heart disease death.
- Higher vitamin B6 intake (≥ 1.73 mg per day) was linked to a lower risk of heart disease death and a lower risk of all-cause mortality.
- When dietary zinc and vitamin B6 intake were both high, the combined effect was associated with an even lower risk of heart disease death, suggesting a potential interaction between these nutrients.
The researchers also found a J-shaped association between the dietary zinc–vitamin B6 ratio and heart disease death risk:
- A very high zinc-to-B6 ratio increased the risk of heart disease death.
- A moderate zinc-to-B6 ratio appeared to lower the risk.
Based on these results, the team suggests that maintaining an appropriate balance of dietary zinc and vitamin B6 may help lower the risk of heart disease death. They note that more precise and well-designed studies are needed to confirm these findings and clarify the optimal intake levels.
If you care about heart health, please read studies that apple juice could benefit your heart health, and Omega-3 fats may lower risk of irregular heart rhythm.
For more information about health, please see recent studies that Vitamin D deficiency can increase heart disease risk, and results showing Vitamin K2 could help reduce heart disease risk.
