While our ancient ancestors could depend on food to meet their nutritional needs, those days are long gone. Even with a perfect diet, it’s nearly impossible for most people to get all the vitamins and minerals they need solely from food.
Every cell in the human body relies on vitamins and minerals to function, including those of the heart and blood vessels. Unfortunately, in today’s day and age, nutritional deficiencies abound. As a result, we are a nation facing cardiovascular disease at unprecedented levels.
With thousands of nutritional supplements on the market, it’s hard to know which ones benefit our hearts the most. But, while each individual’s needs differ, a handful of vitamins are universally beneficial for heart health.
What are vitamins, and how do they work?
Vitamins are micronutrients that the body needs to survive. Vitamins are organic compounds, meaning they contain carbon. Because the human body cannot make most vitamins, we must obtain them from our diets. Thirteen essential vitamins are needed for cell function, growth, and development.
Each vitamin has a different job in the body, but they also work together to regulate various biological processes. Vitamins are categorized either as fat-soluble or water-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are easily absorbed and excreted by the body, while fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat and are stored in tissue.
11 Vitamins to strengthen the heart
Unfortunately, the medical establishment has it all backward. Cardiac drugs, clot-busting medications, and stents are designed to treat symptoms and come with significant risks. Vitamins, on the other hand, are both preventative and curative.
The following 11 vitamins will help to strengthen your heart (link to purchase our recommended product included).
Fat-soluble vitamins
- Vitamin A
While most people associate eye and skin health with vitamin A, this vitamin plays a significant role in heart health. Vitamin A lowers inflammation, decreases oxidative stress, and improves immune function – all of which are fantastic for the heart.
More specifically, the best kind of vitamin A is found in animal products like liver, eggs, and fatty fish. This type of vitamin A is called retinol. Studies have found that individuals with higher levels of retinol in the blood experienced significantly lower death rates from cardiovascular disease.
- Vitamin D
Better known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is one of the best vitamins for heart health. Vitamin D receptors are found in cells throughout the heart and blood vessels.
Research shows that individuals with the highest vitamin D levels have the lowest risk of heart attacks, stroke, atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathy, and even death.
- Vitamin E
Well known for its antioxidant functions, vitamin E acts as a scavenger, eliminating free radicals from the body. As a result, vitamin E helps to reduce cardiovascular inflammation.
- Vitamin K
Vitamin K is an essential vitamin needed for blood clotting, bone building, and helping wounds to heal. Moreover, vitamin K is critical for cardiovascular health.
For example, a 2021 study found that adequate vitamin K intake is associated with lower rates of atherosclerosis. Researchers concluded that those with the highest vitamin K1 intakes were 21 percent less likely to be hospitalized with clogged arteries than those with the lowest intakes.
This fat-soluble vitamin comes in different forms:
- Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone): Assists with blood flow and blood clotting.
- Vitamin K2 (menaquinone): Keeps calcium in the bones and out of the arteries.
Water-soluble vitamins
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
Vitamin B1 is an essential vitamin that helps with energy production in the heart. Studies show that vitamin B1 deficiencies are associated with congestive heart failure and other cardiovascular problems, including death.
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Vitamin B2 plays many vital roles in the body, including breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Moreover, this vitamin helps to maintain the body’s energy supply.
In a study of hospitalized patients with heart failure, researchers found that 27 percent were deficient in vitamin B2. Another study found that higher B2 intakes were associated with lower blood pressure.
- Vitamin B3 (niacin)
Vitamin B3 is responsible for over 400 different metabolic processes in the body. In addition to converting food into energy, this potent antioxidant plays a role in cell signaling and repairing DNA. However, protecting the heart may be the most critical job vitamin B3 plays in the body.
Studies show that niacin may help to
- Vitamin B9 (folate)
Vitamin B9 is essential for many functions, including forming red blood cells and DNA. Vitamin B9 is also necessary for tissue growth and cell function. Moreover, vitamin B9 has been shown to lower homocysteine levels.
Multiple studies have found folate to be cardio-protective. For example, a 2019 study found that patients who supplemented with B9 had a significantly lower risk of stroke than those with lower levels of this essential vitamin.
- Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
Like vitamin B9, Vitamin B12 plays a pivotal role in red blood cell formation, DNA production, cell metabolism, and nerve function. Moreover, vitamin B12 supports dopamine and serotonin production while increasing glutathione levels.
Vitamin B12 is only found in sufficient quantities in animal foods. Vitamin B12 deficiencies result in severe oxidative stress, leading to higher rates of cardiovascular disease.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a vital antioxidant in the body. It’s been said that vitamin C deficiency is a primary cause of coronary artery disease. Without vitamin C, our bodies can’t combat the free radicals that cause oxidative stress and lead to the development of heart disease. In addition, vitamin C inhibits the oxidation of LDL, thus reducing atherosclerosis.
Next Steps
Unfortunately, thanks to soil depletion, food transportation practices, high levels of toxicity, and poor diet, most people are deficient in many of these essential vitamins.
The only accurate way to know how your body is doing in terms of these nutrients is to test. The advanced intracellular micronutrient panel looks at vitamins and minerals outside and inside the cell. Vitamins must make their way inside, where the “action” takes place. So consider checking how well your body is doing regarding vitamins. Included with the intracellular micronutrient panel results is a review with a certified Natural Heart Doctor health coach, who will guide you to the right supplements for your specific needs.
Medical Review, Dr. Jack Wolfson, 2023
