Only a Handful of Nutritional Supplements Benefit the Heart: Study

Store shelves are filled with several nutritional supplements that promise to help with everything from joint pain to reducing cholesterol. Despite those claims, only three supplements have been shown to contribute some protection against heart disease.

“Studies have shown that nitric oxide can help regulate blood pressure, limit the progression of atherosclerosis and provide vascular protection that could help prevent strokes and heart attacks,” said Miguel Quinones, M.D., a cardiologist with Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center.

Most Dietary Supplements are �Not� Heart-healthy
Most nutrient supplements such as vitamins and minerals and other diets do not protect from heart disease or mortality. Although most supplements or diets do not cause harm, health benefits are seen only from few diets.

‘Vitamins of any kind, except folic acid, have been shown to provide no cardiovascular benefit.’

Tweet it Now

“It can be found in sodium nitrate, beetroot juice, and beetroot juice powders. Nitric oxide helps healthy individuals as well as those with cardiovascular disease.”

Another supplement, red yeast rice, has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels. Quinones says the chemical found in red yeast rice called monacolin K has similar properties to lovastatin; the first statin developed to lower cholesterol.

“We also know that omega-3 fatty acids may lower triglycerides and provide protection from cardiovascular disease, but studies show that for the general population, it is more advisable to eat fish two to three times a week rather than take a supplement. However, some populations at high risk may benefit from special preparations of omega-three fatty acids,” Quinones said.

Nutrients from Food Better Than Supplements in Lowering Death Risk
Nutrients from food are much better than taking supplements in lowering death risk and cancer. However, excess intake of certain supplements may be associated with increased death of cancer.

Quinones adds that while coenzyme Q, more commonly known as CoQ10, has been prescribed by many cardiologists because it might prevent deterioration of the heart muscle, it’s hard to say if it actually prevents heart disease. However, some studies suggest that CoQ10 may benefit people who experience muscle aches from taking statins.

“Statins in their mechanism for reducing cholesterol inhibit a specific chemical pathway which results in lower levels of CoQ10,” Quinones said. “There is a theory that muscle aches are brought on by a lowering of CoQ10 in the muscle cells; thus, by taking it, you can possibly reverse the muscle aches.”

Plant-based Supplements Not Entirely Safe
Some plant-based supplements do have side effects and should be used with caution especially in athletes.

Quinones says a person should be able to get all of the nutrients they need from a healthy diet without having to worry about taking supplements.

“Even though it might say ‘vitamin d’ or ‘omega-3 fatty acids’ on the bottle, we know not all supplements are made the same and might not be helping at all, so there is no point in taking them,” Quinones said.

Nutritional Therapies Can Treat Common Mental Disorders
Supplementing diet with the correct nutrient and dosage can be as effective as pharmaceutical drugs but with minimal side effect for patients

Source-Newswise