12 Best Supplements for CardioVascular Health 2025
Cardiovascular health
refers to the overall well-being of the heart and blood vessels. It
encompasses all of the elements that go into making the cardiovascular
system—which consists of the heart and the system of veins, arteries, and
capillaries that carry blood throughout the body—work well. Sustaining optimal
cardiovascular health is essential for general well-being and longevity.
Table of Contents
1. Omega-3s2. CoQ10
3. Vitamin D
4. Folate
5. Berberine
6. Natto (Nattokinase)
7. Magnesium
8. Nitric Oxide Supplements
9. Vitamin E and Heart Health
10. Taurine
11. Molecular Hydrogen
12. Creatine
While maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise are key components of cardiovascular health, some supplements may also support heart health. However, it's crucial to remember, that supplements shouldn't take the place of a balanced diet or doctor-prescribed medication.
Here are some supplements that have been investigated for possible help in
maintaining cardiovascular health:
Best Supplements for CardioVascular Health
1. Omega-3s
The study found omega-3 fats decreased mortality from cardiovascular disease, while also reducing heart attacks and coronary heart disease events (7). This mirrors previous studies, which have also found beneficial effects of omega-3s on heart health. Omega-3 fats derived from krill oil, for instance, have been found to reduce triglyceride levels and help reduce cardiovascular risk. (8)
Further, people with Type 2 diabetes who used omega-3 supplements had a
lower incidence of hospitalization with heart failure — a form of heart
disease in which the heart experiences ventricular dysfunction — in
another study.9
That study measured the omega-3 index in 2,500 participants and found those with the highest omega-3 index had lower risks of heart problems and lower total mortality. The omega-3 index measures of the amount of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the membranes of your red blood cells (RBC). Your index is expressed as a percent of your total RBC fatty acids.
The omega-3 index has been validated as a stable, long-term marker of your omega-3 status, and it reflects your tissue levels of EPA and DHA. An omega-3 index over 8% is associated with the lowest risk of death from heart disease, while an index below 4% places you at the highest risk of heart disease-related mortality.
In addition, be aware that your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio should be about 1-to-1 or possibly up to 4-to-1, but most Americans consume far too many omega-6 fats and not enough omega-3. For optimal heart health, in addition to increasing your omega-3, it’s important to cut down on industrially processed seeds oils, often referred to as “vegetable oils,” found in most processed foods.
2. Folate
The Journal of the American College of Cardiology study revealed that folic acid reduced stroke risk (12). Folic acid is the synthetic version of folate, or vitamin B9, and it’s the most important dietary determinant of homocysteine. Elevated levels of homocysteine (Hcy) are a risk factor for coronary artery disease and are found in most patients with vascular disease.13 According to a literature review published in Advances in Therapy (14):
“Several mechanisms have been proposed for Hcy’s pathogenesis related
to vascular disease. Hcy can cause endothelial injury, dysfunction of
DNA, proliferation of smooth muscle cells, oxidative stress, decreased
function of glutathione peroxidase, impaired nitric oxide synthase,
and inflammation.”
In an animal study, folic acid was also found to prevent age-related structure changes and dysfunction of the heart that may lead to heart failure (16). It reduced cellular senescence, a hallmark of aging. The best way to increase your levels of this important micronutrient is to eat foods rich in natural folate, such as asparagus, avocados, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and spinach.
3. CoQ10
CoQ10 decreased all-cause mortality events, according to the Journal of
the American College of Cardiology study. (17) Ubiquinol — the reduced,
electron-rich form of CoQ10 that your body produces naturally — plays an
important role in the electron transport chain of your mitochondria, where
it facilitates the conversion of energy substrates and oxygen into the
biological energy (adenosine triphosphate, or ATP) needed by your cells
for life, repair and regeneration.
It’s a fat-soluble antioxidant, meaning it works in the fat portions of
your body, such as your cell membranes, where it mops up potentially
harmful byproducts of metabolism known as reactive oxygen species (ROS).
As such, ubiquinol and CoQ10 supplements help protect your mitochondrial
membranes from oxidative damage.
Many conditions, including heart disease, appear to be rooted in
mitochondrial dysfunction.18 CoQ10 is used by every cell in your body, but especially your
heart cells. Cardiac muscle cells have about 5,000 mitochondria per
cell.19 For further comparison, mitochondria make up about 35% of the
volume of cardiac tissue and only 3% to 8% of the volume of skeletal
muscle tissue.20
In other research, CoQ10 has been found to help improve atrial
fibrillation (AFib).21 AFib is an abnormal, often rapid, heart rhythm that occurs when
the atria, your heart's upper chambers, beat out of sync with the
ventricles, the heart's lower chambers. It's a common symptom in those
with heart failure or heart disease. In addition, CoQ10 influences
several other aspects of heart health, including:
- High blood pressure — CoQ10 acts directly on your endothelium, dilating your blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.22,23 CoQ10 also decreases aldosterone, a hormone that makes you retain salt and water.24,25 When aldosterone goes down, excess salt and water are excreted through your kidneys, often causing your blood pressure to go down.
- Systemic inflammation — Supplementing with 60 milligrams (mg) to 500 mg of CoQ10 for eight to 12 weeks can significantly reduce tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP);26,27 three measures of widespread inflammation.
- Stroke — Systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and nerve cell damage play a role in the development of stroke. Research suggests supplementing with CoQ10 can reduce ischemic lesions and improve outcomes in patients who have been treated with a statin drug after having a stroke (statins reduce CoQ10 levels in your body).28
Your body can naturally make CoQ10, but genetic alterations in
metabolism, poor diet, oxidative stress, chronic conditions and aging
can all interfere with CoQ10 production and lead to CoQ10 deficiency.
Statin drugs can also deplete CoQ10.
Ubiquinol production ramps up from early childhood until your mid- to
late 20s. By the time you hit 30, it begins to decline.29 Young people are able to use CoQ10 supplements quite well, but
older people do better with ubiquinol, as it's more readily
absorbed.
4. Vitamin D
Studies (2017) have highlighted the importance of vitamin D for
the prevention and treatment of heart disease, showing it plays a
vital role in protecting and repairing damage to your endothelium. The findings also suggest vitamin D3:
- Helps trigger production of nitric oxide — a molecule known to
play an important signaling role in controlling blood flow and
preventing blood clot formation in your blood vessels
- Significantly reduces oxidative stress in your vascular system,
which is important to help prevent the development and/or
progression of cardiovascular disease
According to vitamin D researcher Dr. Michael Holick, author of “The
Vitamin D Solution: A Three-Step Strategy to Cure Our Most Common
Health Problem,” vitamin D deficiency — defined as a level below 20
ng/mL — can raise your risk of heart attack by 50%.
An analysis of seventeen studies with over 300,000 people looked at
the link between vitamin D intake and heart disease. Scientists found
that taking 1,000 IU (25 mcg) of vitamin D daily reduced heart disease risk by
10% (Source).
Vitamin D has also been shown to have
an anticoagulant effect. A decrease in
25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration has also been associated
with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (PubMed).
A Norwegian study (2018) published in the Journal of Clinical
Endocrinology and Metabolism found “a normal intake of vitamin
D” significantly reduces your risk of death if you have
cardiovascular disease."
About 4,000 patients diagnosed with stable angina pectoris (chest
pain caused by coronary heart disease) were followed for 12 years.
The average age at the outset of the study was 62. Overall, those
with vitamin D blood levels between 16.8 and 40 ng/mL (42 to 100
nmol/L) had the lowest mortality risk.
5. Berberine
Berberine, a compound found in Chinese goldthread and barberry plants, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. It boasts health benefits ranging from improved cognitive function and immune system by reducing inflammation to controlled blood glucose levels.
A 2023 meta-analysis of 44 studies found berberine improved blood lipids, inflammation, and atherosclerosis with minimal risks. It also outperformed statins in reducing factors like stroke risk and artery plaque buildup.
That said, high doses may cause cramping or loose stools. Therefore,
working with a holistic doctor can prevent side effects.
6. Natto (Nattokinase)
Natto is a traditional fermented soybean dish widely consumed throughout Japan for thousands of years. Nattokinase, an enzyme from the fermented soy food natto, has been researched for its potential cardiovascular benefits.“Fibrin is a molecule that is only wanted when we have a wound and we need to repair the wound,” Ms. Jensen said. However, when the body is inflamed, clumps of fibrin can form, contributing to atherosclerosis, she added.
Nattokinase prevents plaque buildup, a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes, according to Dr. David Brownstein, a board-certified family physician. Statins are often ineffective for this, he added.
7. Magnesium
According to Dr Julian Whitaker:
Low levels of magnesium are a culprit in the development of inflammation
and may play a role in hardening of your arteries as they inhibit the deposit of lipids on your arterialswalls and plaque formation.
Use of the mineral also has significantly positive effects when administered intravenously (IV) as soon as possible after a
heart attack.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled trial, IV magnesium or normal
saline was administered to 2,000 patients within 24 hours of their heart
attack. Those who received the magnesium experienced 24% fewer deaths
and within the following five years, the death rate was also 21% lower
than those not treated with magnesium. IV magnesium has been used to
treat patients with congestive heart failure and arrhythmias.
Low levels have been found to be an important predictor of suddencardiac death and IV magnesium has been used to treat the onset of atrial fibrillation. The use of magnesium during an immediate cardiac event demonstrates
the significant health benefits of the mineral. However, ensuring an
adequate level of magnesium on a daily basis may help to prevent these
cardiac events as the mineral is also closely associated with reducing
the inflammatory response.
A study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition determined there was an inverse relationship between levels of
magnesium in the body of participants and the level of creactive
proteins. The researchers concluded the beneficial effect of magnesium
intake on chronic diseases could potentially be explained by the effect
the mineral has on inhibiting inflammation.
Following the release of another study demonstrating the role inflammation plays in chronic disease, Dr. Carolyn Dean, magnesium expert and author of "The Magnesium
Miracle," stated:
"Cholesterol is not the cause of heart disease and the decades-long
attempt to treat this condition with statin drugs has failed, because
the true cause is inflammation."
Dean went on to comment on another study that demonstrated magnesium
deficiency contributes to an exaggerated response to oxidative stress
and inflammation, saying:
"This study shows that at the cellular level, magnesium reduces
inflammation. In the animal model used, magnesium deficiency is
created when an inflammatory condition is produced. Increasing
magnesium intake decreases the inflammation. With magnesium being
actively required by 600 to 700 enzyme systems in the human body,
internal functions that reduce inflammation with the help of magnesium
are being newly discovered every year. For example, magnesium has been
found to be a natural calcium channel blocker, which is crucial
because calcium in excess is one of the most pro-inflammatory
substances in the body."
Our preference for magnesium supplementation is magnesium threonate as it appears to more efficiently
penetrate cell membranes, including your mitochondria. It penetrates
your blood-brain barrier and may help improve memory and it may be a
good alternative to reduce migraine headaches.
8. Nitric Oxide Supplements
Nitric Oxide is a vasodilator, which means it relaxes the inner muscles of your blood vessels, widening them. Nitric oxide enhances blood flow and decreases blood pressure in this way. A study showed that nitric oxide supplementation appears to lower blood pressure in patients with prehypertension and might be beneficial as a routine supplementation for cardiovascular protection.
Many supplements are claimed to increase nitric oxide in the body and provide impressive benefits for health and performance.
They usually contain ingredients like nitrate or the amino acids L-citrulline and L-arginine. However, other supplements, such as French maritime pine bark extract, have also been shown to increase or maintain nitric oxide levels.
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection
suitable for sexual intercourse.
Nitric oxide activates relaxation of corporal cavernosal smooth muscle
tissue allowing more blood to flow into the penis, resulting in an
erection. Several supplements, including L-citrulline, L-arginine and
French maritime pine bark extract, have been proven to enhance nitric
oxide levels in men with erectile dysfunction.In one study was determine the effects of a single dose of citrulline malate (CM) on the performance of flat barbell bench presses as an anaerobic exercise and in terms of decreasing muscle soreness after exercise.
Those given citrulline malate had 40% less muscle soreness 24 and 48 hours after the exercise than those given a placebo.
In persons with type 2 diabetes, nitric oxide production is reduced. This results in poor blood vessel health, which can eventually lead to high blood pressure, kidney illness, and heart disease.
As a result, nitric oxide-increasing supplements may have important implications for diabetes therapy and disease prevention.
9. Vitamin E and Heart Health
Mainstream media often suggests that once heart disease sets in, it's irreversible, with treatments focused on managing symptoms and slowing further plaque buildup. However, a June 2024 study published in the journal Vascular Biology challenges this view, suggesting that α-tocopherol aids in reducing atherosclerosis and boosting heart function.Conducted by researchers at the University of Antwerp, the study involved mice that develop unstable atherosclerotic plaques similar to those seen in advanced human cases. This close resemblance to human plaque instability provided a solid basis for studying how vitamin E affects cardiovascular health.
The mice were fed a Western-style diet with either a low or high dose of α-tocopherol over 24 weeks. Throughout the study, the researchers observed for changes in plaque thickness, the size of necrotic (dead cell) cores and overall heart function. Their goal was to see if high-dose α-tocopherol could stabilize these vulnerable plaques and support heart health beyond its usual antioxidant role.
Their findings showed that high-dose α-tocopherol exhibited positive effects, specifically reducing plaque buildup and dead cell areas within the carotid arteries, which are key factors in preventing plaque ruptures that lead to strokes and heart attacks. As the authors explained:
"[P]laque formation in the right common carotid artery (RCCA), as shown by the plaque formation index, was significantly decreased in mice treated with a high dose of α-tocopherol. Furthermore, plaque thickness in the RCCA was significantly reduced in mice treated with a high dose of α-tocopherol. In addition, a WD (Western diet) supplemented with 500 milligrams α-tocopherol per kilogram diet reduced the necrotic core area."
In addition to reducing plaque, α-tocopherol supplementation improved heart function among the high-dose group. Mice treated with high doses of vitamin E demonstrated enhanced left ventricular performance, as shown in increased measures of fractional shortening and ejection fraction, which are key indicators of effective blood pumping.
Moreover, a reduction in cardiac mass in the high-dose group points to a protective effect against cardiac hypertrophy, a condition that progresses to heart failure if left unchecked. Interestingly, the study found an unexpected increase in markers of lipid peroxidation, including oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and malondialdehyde, in the group receiving a high dose.
This effect suggests that, at higher doses, vitamin E contributes to oxidative stress instead of reducing it. These findings show that while vitamin E has clear benefits for reducing plaque and improving heart function, its effects vary on dosage. Taking the appropriate dose is important to reap its benefits and avoid any downsides.
10. Taurine and Heart Health
Taurine plays a critical role in heart health by helping regulate heartbeat rhythm, supporting healthy blood pressure, and protecting against oxidative damage. It helps strengthens your heart muscle and promotes optimal blood flow—making it essential for lasting cardiovascular performance.
In a 2024 meta-analysis of 25 RCTs (randomized controlled trials), researchers from Taiwan (Nature 2024) concluded that taurine supplementation exhibits positive effects on multiple Metabolic Syndrome related factors, making it a potential dietary addition for individuals at risk of or already experiencing Metabolic Syndrome.
Further, taurine supplementation also offers promise for reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome, a condition that affects more than 1 billion people worldwide (Nature 2024).
Further, taurine supplementation also offers promise for reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome, a condition that affects more than 1 billion people worldwide (Nature 2024).
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, excess body fat around your waist and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, which increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. Taurine regulates several key metabolic parameters associated with the condition, including (Nature 2024):
- Controlling lipid metabolism
- Improving glycemic markers, such as fasting blood glucose and insulin levels
- Anti-inflammatory effects
11. Molecular Hydrogen
Molecular hydrogen is the smallest anti-oxidant. This paper (Mar 2022) reviews the basic research and recent application of hydrogen in order to support hydrogen use in medicine for ageing prevention and ageing-related disease therapy.Molecular hydrogen has therapeutic and preventive effects on various organs. Through its anti-oxidative effect, hydrogen maintains genomic stability, mitigates cellular senescence, and takes part in histone modification, telomere maintenance, and proteostasis. In addition, hydrogen may prevent inflammation and regulate the nutrient-sensing mTOR system, autophagy, apoptosis, and mitochondria, which are all factors related to ageing. Hydrogen can also be used for prevention and treatment of various ageing-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, and cancer.
It was also already discovered that hydrogen can prolong the life of stem cells by reducing oxidative stress (Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2010).
Related: Best Molecular Hydrogen Tablets
Note: Most Molecular Hydrogen tablets have dual-ingredient formula and use pure elemental magnesium as its carrier and provides you with approximately 80 mg of magnesium per tablet. So, you receive also highly bioavailable magnesium for a healthy brain, muscles, cells, kidneys, and heart.
Note: Most Molecular Hydrogen tablets have dual-ingredient formula and use pure elemental magnesium as its carrier and provides you with approximately 80 mg of magnesium per tablet. So, you receive also highly bioavailable magnesium for a healthy brain, muscles, cells, kidneys, and heart.
12. Creatine
A study in the journal Nutrients (2024) looked at how creatine affects the blood vessels of older adults who aren’t very active.1 For four weeks, participants took creatine every day. Then, after a short break, they switched to a placebo so researchers could compare the results.
- Creatine Helped Older Adults Improve Blood Flow in Just Four Weeks
- Creatine helped make arteries more flexible — After four weeks of creatine use, their arteries worked better. Specifically, their endothelial function improved, meaning their blood vessels could relax and open more easily during blood flow. After taking creatine, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), which measures how much arteries expand when blood flow increases, improved from 7.68% to 8.9%. That sounds small, but even a 1% increase in FMD is linked to a 13% lower risk of heart problems.
- Oxygen delivery through small blood vessels improved too — In smaller vessels, oxygen delivery to tissues also got a big boost. This matters because better oxygen flow helps your muscles, brain and organs recover, heal and perform more efficiently.
- Creatine lowered fasting blood sugar and triglycerides — After 28 days, the participants’ blood sugar dropped from prediabetic levels to a healthier range. Their triglycerides, which are fats in the blood linked to heart disease, also went down significantly. These changes happened without any other lifestyle changes — just from adding creatine.
Your body uses the amino acid arginine to make creatine — but it also uses arginine to produce nitric oxide (NO), a gas that helps relax and open your blood vessels. When you get creatine from supplements, your body doesn’t need to use as much arginine to make it. That means more arginine is available to support healthy blood flow.
Omega-3, CoQ10 and Folate Supplements Boost Heart Health - Study
The study was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2022) with the objective of providing an up-to-date evidence-based diagram of the impact that micronutrients have on cardiovascular disease outcomes.The researchers analyzed 884 randomized controlled clinical trials that included 27 micronutrients and 883,627 participants. The supplements tested included omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, folate, vitamin D, magnesium, L-arginine, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), melatonin, curcumin and quercetin, to name a few. These were among the supplements that suggested moderate to high-quality evidence for reducing risk factors associated with heart disease.
Specifically, the researchers found that omega-3 supplementation reduced heart disease mortality, heart attack and coronary heart disease events. Folate supplementation was associated with a reduced risk of stroke and CoQ10 helped reduce all-cause mortality events. The researchers concluded that their data highlighted the "importance of micronutrient diversity and the balance of benefits and risks to promote and maintain cardiovascular health in diverse populations."
Best Supplements for CardioVascular Health - Buying Guide
A. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
1. Qunol Mega Ubiquinol CoQ10 100mg -
BUY ON AMAZON
2. Solgar Ubiquinol Supplement 200 mg - BUY ON AMAZON
B. Magnesium
3. Natural Rhythm Magnesium Taurate - BUY ON AMAZON
4. Cardiovascular Research Magnesium Taurate - BUY ON WALMART
4. Cardiovascular Research Magnesium Taurate - BUY ON WALMART
C. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
5. Sports Research Triple Strength Omega 3 - BUY ON AMAZON
6. Nordic Naturals Omega 3 - BUY ON AMAZON
D. Garlic
7. Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract Formula 100 - BUY ON AMAZON
8. Eclectic Institute Raw Freeze-Dried Garlic - BUY ON AMAZON
FAQ
a. How to Improve Heart Health Naturally?
Improving heart health naturally involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits
that benefit the heart and cardiovascular system.
- Regular exercise is super important; even small activities like walking can make a big difference.
- Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can also support heart health.
- Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake.
- Getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy weight round out the picture.
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Sources and References
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- 9 JACC: Heart Failure, 2022;10(4)
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- 13 Adv Ther. 2020; 37(10): 4149–4164., Intro
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- 31 GrassrootsHealth D*Action+Omega-3 Project
- 32 GrassrootsHealth Tests
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