Since we are physicians and well-versed in the vitamin industry, people always ask us
which vitamins they should take to reduce the risk of heart disease. There are in fact
some vitamins and minerals that can help reduce cardiac risk and lead to greater blood
pressure control. This has been a known fact from several years of clinical practice.
The most current official endorsement of this fact can be seen in the FDA’s recent
acknowledgment of magnesium’s role in reducing high blood pressure.
Controlling Blood Pressure
Controlling blood pressure is a vital element to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and
different health risks that come with age. Different sorts of nutrients are certainly helpful.
The American Heart Association endorsed the DASH diet (rich in vegetables, fruits,
and legumes while high in potassium) for many years as a method of using nutrients to
facilitate a controlled blood pressure. Also, magnesium is a very important component in
maintaining proper blood pressure control. The U.S. FDA just officially granted a
qualified health claim that states high blood pressure risk can be reduced via
magnesium in foods and supplements.
Magnesium Benefits
In addition to blood pressure and heart health, magnesium helps with muscle strength,
migraine reduction, and even irritable bowel syndrome. Magnesium is vital to cellular
function; it makes sense that you need optimal levels to maintain physiologic balance.
Fruits, nuts, vegetables, and legumes all can offer you magnesium. However, some
absorb it from food better than others. These differences can be exacerbated by
medications like those for acid reflux or for diabetes (metformin). Magnesium can be
best obtained by a supplement that is of high quality. Dosing is different for different
people, so a personalized daily vitamin is easily the best and most efficient way to meet
your specific needs.
Omega 3s
While on the topic of heart health, it is necessary to discuss omega 3s. Data suggests
that these vital fats can help prevent heart disease and alter triglycerides and
cholesterol to this end. They also play important roles relating to brain health,
inflammation, arthritis, and much more. Omega 3s are commonly found in fish oil
supplements or vegan forms. Take a look at algae-based omega 3—this is one aspect
of our personalized daily vitamin regimen.
Antioxidants
Antioxidant vitamins such as A, C, D, and E also help reduce cardiac risk by reducing
oxidizing forces which can cause harm to artery and heart tissues. However, they must
be taken with appropriate caution, as too much can be harmful. For example, most
Americans do not need to take Vitamin A as a supplement since our diet is rich in
vitamin A. As a fat-soluble vitamin, it is stored in the body for extended periods of time.
Taking supplemental vitamin A can cause damage including bone loss, thinning hair,
and an increased risk of cancer.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, actually a hormone, is another critical vitamin. Considering its role in bodily
function, its importance to heart health comes as no surprise. However, most individuals
would actually be vitamin D deficient without supplements. However, again, too much
can be harmful, so the appropriate and safe dosages are important. Take our vitamin
quiz to help determine your specific and unique vitamin needs.
B Vitamins
Some types of B vitamins could also be helpful in maintaining optimal heart health. This
is because their deficiencies often lead to various forms of heart failure. Similarly,
iodine, which is used for thyroid support, can support the heart indirectly since heart
failure can be caused by an underactive thyroid.
Personalized Vitamin Regimen
Ultimately, many different vitamins and nutrients are necessary for heart health. The
FDA’s recent acknowledgment of the role magnesium plays in blood pressure shows
how the right vitamins are critical for cardiac health. A personalized multivitamin is the
best way to get the right vitamins for your individual, unique needs, and diet. Please take
our vitamin quiz right now to obtain the best nutrients to help keep you in good health.
