Cardiovascular function is essential to all other organs and systems of the body-without it blood cannot be oxygenated, nutrients cannot be transported throughout the body, and waste products cannot be filtered by the liver and kidneys. Unfortunately, however, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and it is also estimated that by 2020 it will be the leading cause of mortality in the world.(1)
Nutritional Status is Crucial
In addition to healthy lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, stress management, and avoiding smoking, there is general agreement within nutrition science and health practitioners that nutritional status can significantly increase or decrease risk of heart disease, in addition to potentially benefiting individuals who already have cardiovascular diseases.
The five especially important nutrients for heart health are:
1. Vitamin C
An analysis of prospective studies including more than 290,000 adults who were followed for an average of ten years found that those who took more than 700 mg/day of supplemental vitamin C had a 25% lower risk of CHD than those who did not take vitamin C supplements.(2)
2. B Vitamins
Although further research is needed, several large observational studies have shown an association between low vitamin B6, B12, and/or folic acid with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.(3-5)
3. Vitamin D
Research is still emerging, but current data suggests that the heart benefits of vitamin D likely depend upon intake levels much higher than the current reference intakes of 200-600 I.U./day for American adults.(6)
4. Magnesium
Recent research suggests that large doses of supplemental magnesium may be of benefit in people with cardiovascular diseases, improving blood vessel function and circulation.(7,8)
5. L-Arginine
Most experimental and clinical studies clearly show a beneficial effect of the amino acid L-arginine on blood vessel function and circulation, suggesting that it may have a therapeutic role for people with cardiovascular diseases.(9)
Diet is Often Not Enough
Given the fact that most people are not meeting all micronutrient needs from diet alone, many health experts recommend taking a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement. Daily supplementation can help ensure that micronutrient needs are met to support proper cardiovascular health and function.
Choose Effervescence for Superior Bioavailability
It is important to know that not all multivitamins or supplements offer equal quality or equal absorption.
To ensure that your body absorbs the important nutrients it needs, a high-quality effervescent multivitamin is a good choice, since an effervescent delivery system offers better absorption than pills or tablets.
Numerous scientific studies have shown that effervescent technology is both better and faster absorbed (10,11)-in addition to offering great taste and more convenience with less waste.
More On Cardiovascular Health:
Heart Disease: Bad News, Good NewsThe Heart of the Matter
Women & Heart Attacks
Written by: Vitalah®, Creators of Oxylent®
References
1. Br J Nutr 2009 Apr;101(8):1113-31.
2. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;80(6):1508-1520.
3. Curr Opin Lipidol 1999;10(5):417-428.
4. J Nutr 1994;124(10):1927-1933.
5. Am J Clin Nutr 2005;82(4):806-812.
6. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2007 Dec;9(6):508-14.
7. Circulation 2000;102(19):2353-2358.
8. Am J Cardiol 1999;84(2):152-156.
9. Pharmacol Rep 2005 Jan-Feb;57(1):14-22.
10. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2007;8(15):2449-2457.
11. Clin Ther 2006;28(5):715-724.
