Today, new health concepts are appearing at an astonishing rate. People are continuously exploring ways to better their health. In the United States, a huge proportion of persons frequently take supplements. They expect that doing so will enhance their general health, particularly their heart health.
The supplement industry is huge. This suggests that many people believe supplements are beneficial to them. However, it is crucial to note that supplements cannot totally replace nutrient-rich diets. Their effects can vary depending on the type of supplement and individual characteristics.
Let’s take a look at some common supplements and see what research says about their impact on heart health. Some of the results may surprise many individuals.
1. **Multivitamins and Multiminerals**: These are currently quite common dietary supplements, with about half of American adults taking them. Statistics reveal that women are more prone to use them than males. However, the contents in multivitamins are not consistently standardized, making it difficult to compare results from different studies.
Currently, there are few large-scale research concentrating on their impact on heart health. The PHS II research was a long-term trial that lasted over a decade, particularly evaluating the effects of a multivitamin on heart health.
Researchers observed significant cardiac events and mortality rates. The results showed that the supplements did not significantly reduce the risk of stroke or heart failure, nor did they diminish the incidence of angina or the requirement for surgical intervention. Other elements of the study’s conclusions remain uncertain. Therefore, experts typically do not recommend utilizing supplements for heart disease prevention.
Product on Amazon: Multivitamin for Men – Daily Mens Multivitamins & Multiminerals with Vitamin D, Vitamin C, B12 Zinc & More. Essential Vitamins for Men for Energy, Focus, Stamina, Performance, Mens Health. 60 Capsules
Brand: Vimerson Health
Binding: Health and Beauty Product Group: Drugstore
Price: 22.97 USD
Shopping on Amazon >>
2. **Antioxidants**: These include certain micronutrients such as selenium, zinc, copper, and manganese. These help enzymes work regularly, which are important for controlling free radicals in the body. If intake is too low, it may lead to an increase in reactive oxygen species. These chemicals are connected with the development of heart disease.
Vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene also have antioxidant capabilities, reducing molecular oxidative damage. Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol exacerbates atherosclerosis. The formation of plaques in arteries can lead to constriction of blood vessels. Therefore, these nutrients may influence the risk of heart disease. Some research have studied the function of antioxidants in avoiding heart issues.
The SU.VI.MAX experiment supplied participants with a daily mixed supplement containing vitamins E, C, beta-carotene, selenium, and zinc. Another group received a placebo. Follow-up found no significant changes in mortality rates or the incidence of ischemic cardiac events. A recent evaluation of many studies likewise reached the same conclusion: antioxidants offer no substantial advantages for heart health outcomes and may even be associated with an increased risk of overall mortality.
Product on Amazon: Carlyle Antioxidants Supplement | 100 Caplets | Nutritional Complex | Vitamin A, C, E | Non-GMO, Gluten Free Formula
Brand: Carlyle
Binding: Product Group: Drugstore
Price: 9.99 USD
Features:
1. ANTIOXIDANT ESSENTIALS: Features Essential Antioxidants with Vitamins A, C, and E for daily support!
2. HIGH POTENCY FORMULA: Coated caplets deliver 339 mg per serving of a Super Antioxidant Blend
3. ROOTED IN WELLNESS: Carlyle provides premium, honest supplements in your pursuit to healthy living
4. CARLYLE MANUFACTURERS: Laboratory Tested, Trusted Ingredients, Superior Quality, 100% Guaranteed!
5. NATURALLY FREE OF: Gluten, Wheat, Yeast, Milk, Lactose, Artificial Sweetener, Preservatives & Non-GMO
Shopping on Amazon >>
3. **Folic Acid**: This is a B vitamin. Elevated homocysteine levels in the blood are connected with heart issues. Folic acid has been proven to reduce these levels. Therefore, experts are exploring if it can lessen the risk of heart disease. However, the findings of clinical research on folic acid are currently inconsistent.
The aspirin/folic acid research supplied participants with either folic acid or a placebo, but no significant changes were detected in terms of cardiac events or mortality. Additionally, the vitamin research for stroke prevention recruited stroke patients. They received either B vitamins plus folic acid or a placebo. However, this experiment similarly did not find any changes in stroke or heart attack rates.
However, the Chinese Stroke Trial showed different outcomes. This trial recruited Chinese individuals with hypertension who used blood pressure-lowering medicines and folate. The reduction in stroke occurrences was more substantial in this group, particularly among those with originally lower folate levels. However, these results may not apply to countries like the US, where many foods are already fortified with folate.
Product on Amazon: Nature Made Folic Acid 400 mcg (665 mcg DFE), Dietary Supplement for Nervous System Function, 250 Tablets, 250 Day Supply
Brand: Nature Made
Binding: Health and Beauty Product Group: Drugstore
Price: 4.79 USD
Features:
1. Nervous system support supplement: contains one 250 count bottle of Nature Made Folic Acid 400 mcg (665 mcg DFE) Tablets for a 250-day supply
2. This Folic Acid supplement contains an important B vitamin for women of childbearing age and pregnant women
3. These Folic acid supplements support nervous system function, and play a critical role in the proper development of the baby’s nervous system
4. Adults take one of these Folic Acid tablets daily with water and a meal
5. These gluten free Folic Acid vitamins for women have no color added, no artificial flavors and no preservatives
Shopping on Amazon >>
4. **Vitamin E**: This is considered to help avoid oxidative damage and may play a role in modifying the risk of heart disease. Many investigations have studied its possible cardiovascular health advantages.
Some experiments combined vitamin E with other antioxidants. However, the PHS II and SU.VI.MAX studies did not reveal substantial advantages. Studies on women’s health mostly targeted supplementing healthy women with vitamin E, and results revealed a lower risk of serious cardiac events. However, this difference was not statistically significant. The vitamin E group showed a decreased cardiac death rate, which may be attributed to chance variables or gender-related factors.
The HOPE and HOPE-TOO trials comprised high-risk individuals. These studies did not reveal benefits for mortality or cardiac events, and adverse reactions were identified in certain investigations. More incidences of cardiac failure were documented in the studies. However, further trials did not duplicate this observation. Overall, the situation is complex and entails possible risks.
Product on Amazon: Nature Made Vitamin E 180 mg (400 IU) dl-Alpha, Dietary Supplement for Antioxidant Support, 300 Softgels, 300 Day Supply
Brand: Nature Made
Binding: Health and Beauty Product Group: Drugstore
Price: 17.99 USD
Rating: 4.8 Total reviews: 33572
Features:
1. Antioxidant support supplement: contains one 300 count bottle of Nature Made Vitamin E 180 mg (400 IU) dl-Alpha Softgels for a 300-day supply
2. Provides 180 mg (400 IU) of Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals in the body and supports a healthy immune system
3. This antioxidant supplement is the dl-Alpha form of Vitamin E, which supports the body’s natural immune defenses
4. Adults, take one Vitamin E softgel daily with water and a meal
5. Sourced from high-quality ingredients, these Nature Made Vitamin E 400 IU softgels are gluten free and contain no color added, no artificial flavors and no added preservatives
Shopping on Amazon >>
5. **Niacin (B3)**: A B-complex vitamin that has been demonstrated to improve HDL cholesterol levels. As a result, it has gained significant attention in cardiovascular disease risk studies.
An prior research, the Coronary Drug Project, revealed benefits in the later stages. The study found that over 15 years, the death rate was lower in the niacin group. However, newer trials with statin medication do not reveal similar effects. The AIM-HIGH trial compared niacin with statin against statin alone.
Niacin did effectively raise HDL levels. However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of serious cardiovascular events. Patients using niacin experienced increased side effects, including liver and muscular difficulties.
The HPS2-THRIVE experiment also evaluated niacin. This trial included several participants who previously had vascular disease. They received either statin plus niacin or placebo. Again, no difference in the incidence of major vascular events was identified. The niacin group in the HPS2-THRIVE trial also suffered greater adverse effects and even exhibited a tendency toward increased overall mortality. This has prompted questions about its use in this indication.
6. **Beta-carotene**: This chemical is present in many plants and serves as a pigment in fruits and vegetables. It is often believed to have anti-cancer qualities and antioxidant features. Several large-scale clinical trials have been done to investigate its anti-cancer preventative properties. These trials included high-risk populations, such as smokers. However, trials like ATBC and CARET did not show any anti-cancer benefits.
These studies also explored the impact of β-carotene on heart health. Trials such as ATBC, CARET, PHS II, and the Women’s Health Study repeatedly indicated no substantial advantages for heart events.
A worrying finding came from the ATBC and CARET trials. High-risk groups who took beta-carotene had a greater incidence of lung cancer. Additionally, as beta-carotene lacks proven heart health advantages, experts urge against using it for heart or cancer protection.
Product on Amazon: NOW Foods Supplements, Natural Beta Carotene 25,000 IU, Essential Nutrition, 90 Softgels
Brand: NOW Foods
Binding: Health and Beauty Product Group: Drugstore
Price: 11.89 USD
Features:
1. NEUROTRANSMITTER SUPPORT: Norepinephrine and dopamine are key neurotransmitters for the maintenance of alertness and mental acuity and for promoting a feeling of general well-being
2. AMINO ACIDS AND MORE: Combines important nutrients with ingredients like ginkgo and DMAE to complement this unique formula
3. CERTIFICATIONS/CLASSIFICATIONS: Dairy Free, Egg Free, Kosher, Low Sodium, Made without Gluten, Non-GMO, Nut Free, Soy Free
4. Non-GMO
5. A Dietary Supplement
Shopping on Amazon >>
7. **Calcium supplements**: These are often used by women and can help treat or prevent osteoporosis. However, there is disagreement about their impact on heart health. Do calcium supplements raise the risk of heart attack?
Some data suggests that supplements may enhance this risk. The risk may be higher for persons with diabetes. A research indicated that the risk was higher for healthy postmenopausal women, a group commonly urged to take calcium supplements. However, other investigations have achieved different outcomes. They suggest that calcium supplementation do not raise this risk. This means that the argument continues.
More study is needed to properly understand the risks to heart health. Calcium from food does not appear to create similar issues, and dairy products and leafy green vegetables are good sources of calcium. Additionally, combining calcium with vitamin D helps prevent bone loss. However, it is still advisable to visit a doctor ahead to evaluate whether calcium supplements are acceptable for your needs.
Product on Amazon: Nature’s Bounty Calcium 1200 mg with Vitamin D3 – Bone Health Softgels, Calcium and Vitamin D Supplement, 120 ct (Pack of 1)
Brand: Nature’s Bounty
Binding: Health and Beauty Product Group: Drugstore
Price: 7.98 USD
Features:
1. SUPPORTS BONE AND NEUROMUSCULAR HEALTH (1): Providing 1200 mg of Calcium per serving, this Calcium supplement supports bones and neuromuscular health (1)
2. CALCIUM ABSORPTION (1): Each softgel includes 1000 IU of Vitamin D3 to aid in calcium absorption and support your immune system (1)
3. NO GLUTEN; DAIRY OR WHEAT: These Calcium with Vitamin D3 softgels are designed for diverse dietary needs; free from Gluten, Dairy, Wheat and artificial flavors
4. COMMITTED TO QUALITY: We are passionate about the science and ingredients in our products to support you and your family; Our Vitamin D and Calcium softgels are manufactured without artificial flavors or sweeteners
5. EXPERTLY CRAFTED SUPPLEMENT: Backed by 50 years of scientific expertise; Nature’s Bounty offers trusted products, backed by science and made with great ingredients
Shopping on Amazon >>
Related posts:
Calcium supplements: A risk factor for heart attack?
Supplements for Heart Health
8 heart health supplements to take – and one to avoid
