Vitamin D-Enriched Calcium Supplements and Heart Health
Is there a connection between heart health and vitamin D? Are vitamin E and heart health related? Researchers in the Women’s Health Initiative Heart Health and Hormone Replacement Therapy study also investigated the role of other vitamins and minerals.
Because calcification of plaques in artery walls can cause coronary heart disease, the researchers looked at the relationship between heart health and vitamin D-fortified calcium supplementation. After seven years, women taking these supplements had neither a decrease or increase in the risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart disease. Although calcium and vitamin D are important in preventing osteoporosis, they do not appear to play a role in heart health.
The HRT and Heart Health study was terminated early due to the number of adverse events experienced by the women in the study. At one time, HRT was believed to promote heart health, help prevent osteoporosis, and improve the general health of postmenopausal women. After the Hormone Replacement Therapy and Heart Health Study was published, HRT recommendations were changed. It is now recommended that women choosing HRT to relieve symptoms associated with menopause use the lowest dose, for the shortest possible time.
While there may be no connection between heart health and vitamin D, many believe that vitamin E and heart health are clearly linked. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, which means that it reduces the negative effects of oxygen in the body. Preliminary research indicates that vitamin E limits the oxidation of “bad” cholesterol in the arteries. It can help prevent blood clots from forming. It naturally thins the blood to such an extent that people using anticoagulant medications or with bleeding problems should avoid high doses.
Other herbs, amino acids, and vitamins are believed to support heart health. These include l-arginine, ginkgo biloba, folate, potassium, and magnesium. While the hormone replacement therapy and heart health study did not focus on these, the best supplement manufacturers rely on the research provided by numerous groups to formulate products that support heart health.