Here's What Cardiologists Really Think About Taking Supplements To Improve Heart Health
Here's What Cardiologists Really Think About Taking Supplements to Improve Heart Health
We get it: When it comes to heart health, a lot of what cardiologists recommend simply isn't fun—from working out when you'd rather binge-watch a show to eating leafy greens when you're really craving pepperoni pizza. Wanting a quick fix to boost our cardiovascular health, whether or not we take other measures to ensure it, means supplements really sell.
There are a lot of supplements on the market, and because the Food and Drug Administration doesn't review dietary supplements for safety, efficacy or labeling before they're put on the market, many of them make all sorts of claims about their benefits. Some of those claims are outright dubious, but a lot of people who take vitamins, minerals and supplements swear by them. When it comes to heart health, can supplements be helpful, harmful or have no effect at all?
Find out what cardiologists really think of using supplements for your cardiovascular wellness, as well as other ways you can keep your ticker in tip-top shape.
Related: The Early Heart Attack Sign That Cardiologists Say Most People Miss
Can Supplements Actually Help With Heart Health?
Probably not, according to cardiologists.
"Save your money and use it to take a vacation," Dr. Richard F. Wright, MD, board-certified cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, tells Parade. "Almost all supplements are worthless with regards to heart health."
Dr. Wright says that a heart-healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, is far more beneficial than any supplements you'll get over the counter, though there is one instance in which he says they might help.
"There are some individuals who might benefit from some supplements, such as the few who need vitamin D (a misnomer, as vitamin D is a hormone and not a vitamin), iron, or high-dose omega-3 fatty acids ('fish oil')," he says. "But if one follows a prudent diet most supplements will make no difference—other than in your pocketbook."
Related: How to Know If You Really Have a Vitamin D Deficiency
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, concurs.
"There are many supplements out there touted as beneficial for heart health. Some of the most popular ones include fish oil, CoQ10, folic acid and red yeast rice," Dr. Chen says. "However, decades of research have not shown a clear benefit with over-the-counter supplements."
Like Dr. Wright, Dr. Chen says it's better to focus on your food than anything in a brown bottle.
"Supplements are unlikely to be beneficial in people who are otherwise healthy," he explains. "I advise all patients to first focus on eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, as food will always be the best and most natural source of the nutrients that the body needs."
Related: Your Live-Well Guide to Maintaining Heart Health and Preventing Heart Disease
Even Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements May Not Do Much
While a lot of people swear by omega-3 and fish oil supplements, Dr. Chen says that the kind you're buying over the counter probably aren't actually doing anything for your heart.
"Some research has pointed to omega-3 fish oil as being useful to help control triglyceride levels in the blood. However, the levels of omega-3 in over-the-counter supplements are widely varied, and do not reach the levels found in prescription omega-3," he explains. "Similarly the active ingredient in red yeast rice is a statin that can help improve LDL levels. However, the levels of the lovastatin in red yeast rice are much lower than that in prescription lovastatin."
That said, getting omega-3 and fish oil from actual fish like salmon and from other food sources like walnuts is actually great for you and can pose benefits to your heart, brain and even your complexion—so eat those nutrients in your diet instead of taking a supplement.
Related: The Best Food Sources for Omega-3s
Some Supplements May Actually Harm You Instead of Helping
Dr. Chen reiterates that without FDA regulation for supplements, you may not always know what you're taking, and that can be very scary.
"Patients should know that supplements are not regulated by the FDA, and thus the pills may not contain what they say on the bottle. In fact, they are often full of fillers or possibly dangerous substances," he warns. "In addition, people should know that the ingredients in supplements may cause certain side effects that are undesirable."
Related: The Best Workout for Heart Health, According to Cardiologists
What's more, Dr. Chen notes, is that you may be taking way more of certain vitamins and minerals than you need, and that can have detrimental effects on your health—including on your heart.
"I typically do not recommend supplements to my patients," he says. "Research has shown that taking an excess amount of certain supplements (such as calcium, vitamin D and beta-carotene) could actually increase someone's risk of heart disease."
If you do want to take supplements, it's important to look for the USP-verified label before purchasing supplements, which signals that a supplement has been third-party tested for quality and safety, or enter the name of your supplement on sites like ConsumerLab or Labdoor.
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