Multiple vitamins are being researched for their role in keeping the heart healthy, but the use of vitamins to reduce the risk of heart disease or prevent heart attacks is controversial, according to the Mayo Clinic. The American Heart Association maintains that the best way to prevent heart disease is through exercise, not smoking and eating a diet that is low in fat and sodium and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. They also encourage getting vitamins through foods rather than supplements. Consult a physician prior to taking vitamin and mineral supplements for heart health.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin and antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that prevent oxidation. Oxidation occurs when cholesterol and oxygen react in the blood. The result is atherosclerosis, a condition in which cholesterol sticks to the walls of the arteries. Over time atherosclerosis can lead to a heart attack or stroke. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians vitamin E may reduce future heart attacks in people with existing heart disease. The optimal dosage of vitamin E for heart health is unknown but the AAFP says 400 IU/day seems reasonable. Individuals should not take more than 800 IU/day because this can thin the blood and interfere with blood-thinning medications like Coumadin and warfarin.
Food sources of vitamin E include wheat germ, almonds, brown rice, walnuts, sunflower oil and safflower oil.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin and antioxidant that may improve arterial function and increase vitamin E's effectiveness. The AAFP recommends taking 500 mg of vitamin C twice a day. Vitamin C is available in bell peppers, citrus fruits, berries, pineapple, tomatoes, asparagus, broccoli, kiwi and kale.
B Vitamins
B vitamins are a family of water soluble vitamins that include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyroxidine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9) and cobalamin (B12). B vitamins breakdown homocysteine and high levels of B vitamins are associated with low levels of homocysteine. Homocysteine is an amino acid that in excess is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, according to the AHA. Homocysteine may increase the incidence of atherosclerosis and damage arterial lining. According to the AHA there is no scientific evidence linking B vitamins and heart disease but the organization still encourages individuals, especially those at risk for heart disease, to eat a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables and leafy greens to get enough B vitamins.
Vitamin D
According to the Mayo Clinic vitamin D, a fat soluble vitamin, may improve the health of blood vessels but research is not conclusive. According to an article published in the "Journal of the American College of Cardiology" by researchers at the Mid America Heart Institute low levels of vitamin D are associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation and increased risk of heart disease. Researchers concluded that controlled studies are needed to establish the role of vitamin D in heart health.
References
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Can Vitamins Help With Heart Disease?
- American Heart Association: Homocysteine, Folic Acid and Cardiovascular Disease
- American Heart Association: Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
- "Journal of the American College of Cardiology"; Vitamin D deficiency an important, common, and easily treatable cardiovascular risk factor?; J.H. Lee, et al.; December 2008
- Mayo Clinic: Can Vitamins Help Prevent a Heart Attack?
