Role of Vitamins in Cardiovascular Health: Know Your Facts-Part 2

Curr Vasc Pharmacol. 2023 Sep 11. doi: 10.2174/1570161121666230911115725. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity/mortality world-wide, hence preventive interventions are crucial. Observational data showing beneficial CV-effects of vitamin supplements, promoted by self-proclaimed experts, have led to ~50% of Americans using multivitamins; this practice has culminated into a multi-billion-dollar business. However, robust evidence is lacking, and certain vitamins might incur harm. This two-part review focuses on the attributes or concerns about specific vitamin consumption on CVD. The evidence for indiscriminate use of multivitamins indicates no consistent CVD benefit. Specific vitamins and/or combinations are suggested, but further supportive evidence is needed. Data presented in Part 1 indicated that folic acid and certain B-vitamins may decrease stroke, whereas niacin might raise mortality; beta-carotene mediates pro-oxidant effects, which may abate the benefits from other vitamins. In Part 2, data favor the anti-oxidant effects of vitamin C and the anti-atherogenic effects of vitamins C and E, but clinical evidence is inconsistent. Vitamin D may provide CV protection, but data are conflicting. Vitamin K appears neutral. Thus, there are favorable CV-effects of individual vitamins (C/D), but randomized/controlled data are lacking. An important caveat regards the potential toxicity of increased doses of fat-soluble vitamins (A/D...
Source: Atherosclerosis - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research