Heart Disease Prevention Guide: Supplements


Recommendation: Vitamin B6
Rationale: 50-100 mg/day
Notes: Helps reduce homocysteine, which is a direct contributor to heart disease.
Always take a B-complex in addition to taking individual B vitamins to increase synergy.


Recommendation: Vitamin B12
Rationale: 800-1,000 mcg/day
Notes: Helps reduce homocysteine.
Sublingual B12 has been shown to be the most well-absorbed form of the vitamin.
Recommendation: Calcium citrate
Rationale: 250 mg 2x/day
Notes: Improves heart function.
Calcium works best when taken with magnesium.
Recommendation: CoQ10
Rationale: 750-100 mg/day
Notes: Improves energy production within the heart.
Pregnant and breast-feeding women should not take CoQ10.
Recommendation: Carnitine fumerate
Rationale: 500 mg/day
Notes: Carnitine allows heart to efficiently use oxygen.
Take with vitamins C and B6 for better absorption.
Recommendation: Vitamin C
Rationale: 500 mg 3x/day
Notes: Reduces high blood pressure and hardening of arteries.
To prevent digestive disturbances, start slow and work up to full dose.
Recommendation: Vitamin E
Rationale: 400-600 IU/day
Notes: Prevents oxidation of LDL cholesterol and reduces plaque formation.
Discuss with your doctor if you are on blood thinners.
Recommendation: Flaxseed oil
Rationale: 1 tablespoon/day
Notes: Helps prevent blood clotting and reduces inflammation.
Take with plenty of water to help flush system.
Recommendation: Folate
Rationale: 400-800 mcg/day
Notes: Reduces homocysteine levels.
Always take with B-complex vitamins to increase synergy.
Recommendation: Multivitamin
Rationale: As directed on label
Notes: Serves to reinforce a healthy diet.
Choose a powdered-capsule form for best absorption.
Recommendation: Magnesium
Rationale: 250 mg 2x/day
Notes: Improves heart function and tissue health.
May make certain cycline drugs less effective.
Recommendation: Beta-carotene
Rationale: 10,000-25,000 IU/day
Notes: Protects cells from oxidation, which leads to plaque buildup.
Although beta-carotene is not toxic, high doses can cause a yellowing of the skin.
Recommendation: Chromium
Rationale: 400 mcg/day
Notes: Enhances the function of insulin and lowers cholesterol.
Chromium is best absorbed when taken as chromium picolinate.

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