People who cannot benefit from supplements that support heart health

Supplements for heart health are not always necessary. There are certain groups that may not benefit from heart health supplements.

• People without heart disease: If you are healthy and are not at high risk for heart disease, you may not need supplements. Before adding supplements, we recommend focusing on lifestyle behaviors that support overall heart health.
• People who eat a balanced diet: If you eat a balanced diet and are not deficient in vitamins and minerals related to heart health, such as fiber, magnesium, and omega-3 fats, you may not need to take vitamin and mineral supplements. yeah.
• For those taking certain medicines: If you are taking medication, you should consult your healthcare provider before using heart health supplements. Mr. Ruthenstein said: [should not be taken] Concomitant use with certain medications is unavoidable, so it is very important to consult your healthcare team, such as a registered dietitian, first. For example, fish oil may sound heart-healthy, but if you Taking blood clotting/anticoagulantsThe risk of bleeding is unduly increased. ”

How to choose supplements

Our team strives to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements. Learn more about our nutritional supplement methodology.

We support supplements based on scientific evidence. We emphasize certain product attributes that we believe are associated with the highest quality products. We prefer products that have been third-party tested and certified by one of three independent third-party certification bodies: USP, NSF, and ConsumerLab.com.

It is important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are placed on the market. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology for selecting the supplements we recommend.

What to look for in heart health supplements

Third party testing

Third-party tested supplements are sent to a laboratory for testing to ensure they contain the claimed ingredients and are not contaminated with certain high-risk common contaminants. will be done. However, it is important to note the following:

• Third-party testing does not ensure that a product is effective or safe for everyone. We also do not guarantee that supplements will not interact with other supplements or medications.
• Not all third-party tests are created equal. It is not uncommon for supplement companies to pay labs to obtain certification after performing minimal or no testing.
• Trusted third-party certifications are ConsumerLab.com, NSF, and USP. However, these certifications are difficult and expensive for manufacturers to obtain, so many companies choose not to test their products with one of these three organizations.
• The products tested by these three companies may be more expensive to offset the costs they paid for certification.
• Just because a supplement hasn’t been tested by one of these three companies doesn’t mean it’s a bad product. We recommend researching the manufacturer’s credibility and calling the manufacturer and their testing laboratory to review their protocols and determine if you can safely take the supplement.

There’s always a risk of contamination with supplements, so it’s important to choose ones that have been third-party tested if possible. Fiber supplements can be contaminated with heavy metals, and fish oil supplements can spoil, meaning their beneficial effects are reduced. This can result in an unpleasant taste and reduced safety and effectiveness. In addition to choosing supplements that have been third-party tested, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage and expiration dates. If your supplement has not been third-party tested, it’s important to look for strong in-house testing and traceable ingredients.

shape

Supplements for heart health come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, softgels, and liquids. Certain supplements may contain additional ingredients such as B vitamins, vitamin C, and stabilizers. It’s best to check the label to see what’s in the supplement and make sure it doesn’t contain any ingredients that may not be beneficial.

Ingredients and potential interactions

It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredient list and nutrition facts label to know which ingredients are present and how much compared to the recommended daily intake of that ingredient. Bring your supplement label to your health care provider to learn about the various ingredients in your supplement and potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements or medications you may be taking.

Always check the label of your supplement to see what ingredients it contains.

Drug interactions: If you are using certain medications, certain supplements should be avoided or taken with caution.if you take Medicines that thin the blood or lower blood pressureconsult your health care provider about taking supplements.

Fiber supplements can interact with diabetes medications and interfere with the body’s ability to absorb certain medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants, carbamazepine, digoxin, lithium, and diabetes medications.

Folic acid and magnesium may also interact with certain medications. If you are taking medication, consult your health care provider before using heart health supplements.

Additional ingredients: Supplements may contain additional ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, caffeine, and herbs. If possible, it’s best to choose a supplement that doesn’t contain these additional ingredients, especially if you have a medical condition or take other medications.

How much is too much?

Rosenstein said: “It is important to evaluate the dosage of all supplements. Many people think that more is better, but that is simply not true. Taking large amounts of certain nutrients in supplement form can lead to toxicity. , may cause arrhythmias, gastrointestinal problems, and kidney or liver damage.” You should always confirm dosage with your healthcare professional.

For example, high doses of folic acid can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency, while high doses of magnesium can cause gastrointestinal problems, nausea, arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest. Eating too much fiber can cause gas and bloating. It is important to avoid exceeding the nutrient limits set by the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements.

our experts

We consulted experts at every stage of researching and reporting this story, from building a supplement baseline to investigating potential interactions. Some of the people we consulted are:

• Michelle Ruthenstein, MS RD CDE CDN, is a registered dietitian who specializes in heart health and works with patients to help manage and prevent heart disease and heart attacks.
• Shushy Rita Setrakian, MSc, RD, RD, is one of our Nutrition and Supplement Commerce Editors. Shushy is passionate about translating nutrition science into meaningful dietary recommendations.

Why trust Verywell Health?

Tamer Cain, MSc, RD, is a registered dietitian and marathon runner. Tamar received her master’s degree in nutrition and exercise physiology from her college of teachers at Columbia University. She specializes in working with plant-based athletes, who are one of the people most at risk for iron deficiency. Her goal is to help people understand how to properly fuel (and replenish when needed) their bodies to optimize performance and health.