Heart Health Supplements

Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil (EPA+DHA) can have a positive impact on heart health.* Evidence supporting this claim comes from studies tracking large groups of people and linking higher omega-3 blood levels with supporting various aspects of heart health. Omega-3s EPA and DHA have been shown to promote healthy platelet activity, artery health, and a healthy heart resting rate.* Most notably, omega-3s have also been shown to support blood pressure and triglyceride levels within a normal range.*

COQ10
CoQ10 plays a crucial role in our bodies by helping cells produce energy and acting as a powerful antioxidant. It is found in tissues and cells that require a high energy output, which is why it is highly concentrated in the heart—the most important muscle in the body—and plays a key role in how efficiently the heart functions. As a powerful antioxidant, CoQ10 also protects the heart muscle by helping maintain normal oxidation of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol in the bloodstream.

It's important to note that CoQ10 insufficiency is not uncommon. It can be brought on by age-related declines in its synthesis, increased levels of oxidative stress, or the use of cholesterol-lowering medications, which interfere with the body's ability to produce endogenous CoQ10. These common declines can make the heart less efficient, making it an important nutrient to supplement with to support not only heart health but also whole-body health.*

Magnesium
Magnesium supports muscle contraction and relaxation, which both apply to the most important muscle in your body—your heart! By promoting proper muscle contraction and relaxation, magnesium helps regulate the heart's rhythm, which is critical for healthy heart function.*

Red Yeast Rice
Red yeast rice has been shown to help support blood lipids and cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range.* Additionally, red yeast rice supports endothelial function, which is essential for maintaining the flexibility and health of blood vessels. Improved endothelial function helps promote healthy blood circulation, making it key to heart health.*

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil (EPA+DHA) can have a positive impact on heart health.* Evidence supporting this claim comes from numerous studies tracking large groups of people and linking higher omega-3 blood levels with supporting various aspects of heart health. Omega-3s EPA and DHA have been shown to promote healthy platelet activity, arterial health, and a healthy heart resting rate.* Most notably, omega-3s have also been shown to support blood pressure and triglyceride levels within a normal range.*

Keep in mind—evidence shows that achieving higher omega-3 blood levels is necessary for enjoying the heart health benefits of omega-3s. We encourage you to get your omega-3 levels tested both before taking an omega-3 supplement and after taking a higher dose omega-3 supplement, typically 2000-4000 mg/d, consistently for at least 1 month to ensure you are taking enough to raise your omega-3 levels and experience the heart health benefits of omega-3s.

Based on the research, consuming at least 2000 mg of omega-3s (EPA+DHA) per day can provide most people with adequate cardiovascular support. And the American Heart Association recommends that anyone with elevated triglycerides take 2,000 to 4,000 mg of total EPA plus DHA per day. Several factors contribute to an individual’s omega-3 status and how much is needed to experience the heart health benefits of omega-3s. The only conclusive way to ensure you are meeting your daily needs is through regular blood testing. All individuals, regardless of age or health status, are encouraged to get their omega-3 levels tested and work with a healthcare practitioner who can make personalized recommendations based on their unique needs.

Magnesium supports muscle contraction and relaxation, which both apply to the most important muscle in your body—your heart!* By promoting proper muscle contraction and relaxation, magnesium helps regulate the heart's rhythm, which is critical for healthy heart function.*

CoQ10 plays a crucial role in our bodies by helping cells produce energy and acting as a powerful antioxidant. It is found in tissues and cells that require a high energy output, which is why it is highly concentrated in the heart—the most important muscle in the body—and plays a key role in how efficiently the heart functions. As a powerful antioxidant, CoQ10 also protects the heart muscle by helping maintain normal oxidation of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol in the bloodstream.

There are two forms of CoQ10: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. While both forms have been shown to support heart health, ubiquinone is generally ideal for adults in their 20s and 30s. Ubiquinol, on the other hand, is recommended for individuals with cardiovascular conditions, those taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, or anyone over the age of 40 seeking extra antioxidant support.

Our bodies produce CoQ10, but as we age, our levels of CoQ10 naturally decline. This reduction can lead to decreased energy production in high-energy-demand tissues and organs, such as the heart. Therefore it is not uncommon to have a CoQ10 insufficiency. It can be brought on by age-related declines in its synthesis, increased levels of oxidative stress, or the use of cholesterol-lowering medications, which interfere with the body's ability to produce CoQ10. These common declines can make the heart less efficient, making it an important nutrient to supplement with to support not only heart health but also whole-body health*

Omega-3s
Triglycerides are an important type of fat (lipid) in the blood that help support the body’s energy needs. However, excessive amounts of these blood fats may lead to poor cardiovascular health. Several studies show that supplementing with omega-3 fish oil supports healthy triglyceride levels within a normal range.* A recent review from the American Heart Association found that 4000 mg per day of omega-3 EPA can promote healthier triglyceride levels within a normal range by 30% or more among people with high amounts of lipids in the blood.¹* Furthermore, the American Heart Association recommends that anyone with elevated triglycerides take 2,000 to 4,000 mg of EPA plus DHA per day.

COQ10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) helps support normal cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.* As a powerful antioxidant, CoQ10 also protects the heart muscle by helping maintain normal oxidation of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Red Yeast Rice
Red yeast rice has been shown to help support blood lipids and cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range.* Additionally, red yeast rice supports endothelial function, which is essential for maintaining the flexibility and health of blood vessels. Improved endothelial function helps promote healthy blood circulation, making it key to heart health.*

1. Skulas-Ray AC, et al. Circulation. 2019. 140(12).

While many supplements, such as fish oil, are generally safe to take with heart medication, it is important to consult your prescribing physician before starting any supplement.