It's not yet clear if taking vitamins can reduce the risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack. But, what is known is that no vitamin can prevent the development of heart disease if you don't control your other risk factors, such as a poor diet, smoking, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Some studies have suggested that certain vitamins, such as vitamins C and E, may reduce heart disease risk, but larger clinical trials haven't shown a benefit. The American Heart Association doesn't recommend taking either vitamin as a way to prevent heart disease.
There's some evidence of a link between low blood levels of vitamin D and heart disease. However, most research has shown that taking vitamin D with or without calcium doesn't lower the risk of heart disease or it's complications. Talk to your health care provider if you're concerned about your vitamin D level.
Most people who are generally healthy and eat a nutritious diet don't need to take a daily vitamin. If you're concerned about your nutrition, talk with your health care provider about whether taking a daily vitamin might be a good option for you.
Or, better yet, add nutrient-rich foods — such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, healthy oils, whole grains and at least two servings of fish weekly — to your diet to help protect your heart. Limit salt, trans fats and saturated fats.
Show References
- Vitamin supplements: Hype or help for healthy eating. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/vitamin-supplements-hype-or-help-for-healthy-eating. Accessed April 14, 2021.
- Tangney CC, et al. Nutritional antioxidants in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 14, 2021.
- Jayed A, et al. Dietary and circulating vitamin C, vitamin E, β-carotene and risk of total cardiovascular mortality: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective observational studies. Public Health Nutrition. 2019; doi:10.1017/S1368980018003725.
- Jenkins DJA, et al. Supplemental vitamins and minerals for CVD prevention and treatment. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2018; doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2018.04.020.
- Vitamin D. Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed April 14, 2021.
- Shivappa N, et al. Dietary inflammatory index and cardiovascular risk and mortality — A meta-analysis. Nutrients. 2018; doi:10.3390/nu10020200.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/expert-answers/prevent-heart-attack/FAQ-20058253