Patient Guide
16 minute read
Supplements & Heart Health
Millions of people take supplements hoping to protect their heart. Some may offer modest benefit — but many are unsupported by clinical evidence, and a number carry real risks, particularly when combined with heart medications. This guide gives you an honest, evidence-based assessment of the most widely used supplements.
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Key Takeaways
What the evidence — and the risks — tell us
- Supplements are not regulated for safety or effectiveness before sale in the UK — unlike medicines, no proof of benefit is required.
- Several widely taken supplements (Nattokinase, St John's Wort, Red Yeast Rice, high-dose fish oil) have clinically significant interactions with cardiac medications and can cause serious harm.
- "Natural" does not mean safe — some of the most dangerous drug interactions involve plant-derived supplements.
- The evidence for most popular cardiovascular supplements is either weak, mixed, or absent. Only plant sterols, prescription-dose omega-3, and treating genuine vitamin deficiencies have robust clinical support.
- Your cardiologist needs to know about every supplement you are taking — this includes herbal products, vitamins, protein powders, and anything purchased from a health food shop.
- In most cases, the evidence-based diet in this guide will deliver far greater cardiovascular protection than any supplement combination.
The supplement landscape in numbers
49%
of UK adults take a supplement regularly
NHS Digital / Mintel survey data
Rising sharply since 2020
Rising sharply since 2020
<5%
of popular supplements have large-scale RCT evidence
Most are supported only by observational data,
small trials, or mechanistic studies
small trials, or mechanistic studies
70%
of cardiac patients do not tell their doctor what they are taking
Supplement use often not discussed at clinic
yet interactions are clinically significant
yet interactions are clinically significant
Why this matters
A multi-billion pound industry built on limited evidence
The global supplement industry is worth over £150 billion and growing rapidly. Patients arrive in clinic taking five, ten, sometimes fifteen different supplements — often in addition to prescribed cardiac medications. Most are seeking the same thing: to do everything possible to protect their heart and their health.
That instinct is understandable and admirable. But the supplement industry operates in a largely unregulated space where marketing claims routinely outpace evidence, and where the line between "food supplement" and "medicine" is exploited commercially.
This guide does not take the position that supplements are always useless or harmful. Some have plausible mechanisms and modest evidence. A few have genuine clinical support. But the honest answer for most is that we do not have the evidence to recommend them, and some carry real risks that are poorly understood by those taking them.
My position in clinic: I ask every patient what supplements they take and review them without judgment. Some I am comfortable with. Some I ask patients to stop, usually because of drug interactions. What I always want is an open conversation — please bring your supplements to your appointment.
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Evidence review
Sixteen supplements — what the evidence actually shows
Each supplement is rated using the evidence available at the time of writing. Evidence ratings reflect the quality and size of cardiovascular-specific clinical trial data, not mechanistic studies or animal experiments.
Evidence key:
Some Evidence
Weak / Mixed
No Clinical Benefit
Use With Caution
Significant Risk
Some Evidence
Dose-Dependent
Omega-3 / Fish Oil
EPA, DHA, icosapentaenoic acid
Claimed: Lowers triglycerides, reduces heart attack risk, anti-inflammatory
What the evidence shows: The picture is complex. Prescription-dose purified EPA (4g/day, Vascepa) reduced major cardiovascular events by 25% in high-risk statin-treated patients in the REDUCE-IT trial (NEJM 2018). However, the STRENGTH trial (EPA+DHA combination) was neutral, and debate continues about whether the mineral oil placebo in REDUCE-IT inflated the apparent benefit. Standard 1g over-the-counter fish oil capsules are very unlikely to replicate these effects. Omega-3 does reliably lower triglycerides at higher doses.
Interaction: High-dose fish oil (3g+) can increase bleeding risk when taken with warfarin, NOACs (apixaban, rivaroxaban), aspirin, or clopidogrel. Inform your cardiologist.
Strongest OTC Evidence
Plant Sterols
Phytosterols — Benecol, Flora pro.activ
Claimed: Lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol
What the evidence shows: Plant sterols are the best-evidenced non-prescription approach to LDL reduction. At 2g/day (e.g., one Benecol yogurt drink), they reduce LDL by 7–10% by competing with cholesterol absorption in the gut. The mechanism is well understood. However, there are no large randomised trials showing actual reductions in heart attacks — only surrogate LDL data. They also reduce absorption of fat-soluble carotenoids slightly.
Not suitable for patients with sitosterolaemia (a rare genetic condition). Otherwise generally safe and complementary to statin therapy.
Weak Evidence
Coenzyme Q10
CoQ10, ubiquinone, ubiquinol
Claimed: Relieves statin muscle pain, improves heart failure, energy production
What the evidence shows: Statins reduce the body's natural CoQ10 production (they share the same metabolic pathway). This led to widespread belief that CoQ10 supplements relieve statin-induced muscle pain. Multiple well-designed randomised trials have found no benefit over placebo for statin myalgia. One small trial (Q-SYMBIO) suggested benefit in heart failure, but this has not been replicated. CoQ10 is generally safe at standard doses (100–200mg).
Interaction: CoQ10 may modestly reduce the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Monitor INR if starting or stopping CoQ10.
Some Evidence
Magnesium
Magnesium glycinate, citrate, oxide
Claimed: Lowers blood pressure, prevents arrhythmia, relieves muscle cramps
What the evidence shows: Many adults in the UK have borderline low magnesium intake. Meta-analyses of supplementation trials show modest reductions in blood pressure of 2–4 mmHg, most pronounced in those who were deficient. Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions including cardiac ion channel function. Intravenous magnesium is used medically in certain arrhythmias. Oral supplementation has a less clear antiarrhythmic role. Generally safe — high doses cause diarrhoea.
Most benefit when correcting genuine deficiency. Levels can be checked with a simple blood test.
Mixed Evidence
Vitamin D
Cholecalciferol (D3), ergocalciferol (D2)
Claimed: Reduces heart disease, lowers blood pressure, improves immune function
What the evidence shows: Vitamin D deficiency is very common in the UK (especially October–March) and is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes in observational studies. However, the VITAL trial — 25,871 patients over 5 years — found that supplementing with 2,000 IU/day did not reduce cardiovascular events in those who were not severely deficient. Treating genuine deficiency (serum 25-OH vitamin D below 50 nmol/L) is appropriate and supported by NHS guidance.
NHS recommends 400 IU/day for UK adults (especially October–March) — a sensible, low-cost baseline for those not getting adequate sunlight.
Weak Evidence
High Risk
Nattokinase
Natto enzyme — fibrinolytic supplement
Claimed: "Natural blood thinner," lowers blood pressure, prevents clots and strokes
What the evidence shows: Nattokinase is an enzyme derived from natto (fermented soya beans) with fibrinolytic (clot-dissolving) activity demonstrated in laboratory studies. Small clinical trials suggest modest reductions in blood pressure and fibrinogen. However, no large randomised controlled trials have evaluated safety or cardiovascular outcomes. The mechanistic basis for its "blood thinning" activity is precisely what makes it dangerous when combined with anticoagulants.
Serious risk: Nattokinase significantly potentiates the bleeding effect of warfarin, apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), dabigatran (Pradaxa), aspirin, and clopidogrel. Combination can cause life-threatening haemorrhage. If you are on any anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication, do not take Nattokinase without direct cardiology advice.
Weak Evidence
NAC
N-Acetyl Cysteine — glutathione precursor
Claimed: Antioxidant, reduces inflammation, protects the heart, supports lung health
What the evidence shows: NAC is well-established in medicine as an intravenous treatment for paracetamol overdose. It replenishes glutathione, the body's principal antioxidant. Observational and mechanistic studies suggest potential benefits in reducing oxidative stress in cardiovascular disease. However, large randomised trials demonstrating clinical cardiovascular benefit are lacking. Some research is ongoing in post-COVID inflammatory conditions and kidney protection. At standard oral doses, NAC appears safe for most people.
The antioxidant hypothesis — that boosting glutathione will protect the heart — is biologically plausible but not proven in clinical outcome trials.
Weak Evidence
Drug Interactions
Berberine
"Nature's metformin" — plant alkaloid
Claimed: Lowers blood sugar and cholesterol, aids weight loss, reduces cardiovascular risk
What the evidence shows: Berberine activates the same AMPK pathway as metformin and does show modest glucose-lowering and LDL-lowering effects in small trials (predominantly from China, with variable quality control). It is not equivalent to metformin in terms of the evidence base. Bioavailability is poor without formulation aids, and purity between products varies enormously. It is one of the more plausible supplements mechanistically but lacks the rigorous large-scale RCT data needed to recommend it clinically.
Interactions: Berberine inhibits CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 enzymes, affecting levels of many cardiac drugs including beta-blockers, some statins, and anticoagulants. Combined with metformin or antidiabetic agents, hypoglycaemia risk increases.
Unregulated Statin
Significant Risk
Red Yeast Rice
Monascus purpureus — contains monacolin K
Claimed: "Natural" alternative to statins, lowers LDL cholesterol
What the evidence shows: Red yeast rice contains monacolin K — which is chemically identical to lovastatin, a prescription statin. It does lower LDL cholesterol. It is not safer, more natural, or better tolerated than a statin — it is effectively a statin at an unknown, unregulated dose. Products vary from no active ingredient to the equivalent of a moderate statin dose. It has been banned from sale in the EU as an unlicensed medicine.
Serious concern: If you are already taking a prescribed statin, adding red yeast rice risks statin overdose — increasing myopathy (muscle damage), rhabdomyolysis, and liver toxicity. If you want statin therapy, use a properly dosed, regulated prescription — not this.
Weak Evidence
Turmeric / Curcumin
Curcuma longa — anti-inflammatory spice
Claimed: Anti-inflammatory, lowers cholesterol, reduces arterial stiffness, prevents cancer
What the evidence shows: Curcumin inhibits NF-κB, a key driver of inflammation, and reduces some inflammatory biomarkers in small trials. The fundamental problem is bioavailability: curcumin is very poorly absorbed from the gut and rapidly metabolised. Most of what you swallow never reaches the bloodstream. Adding piperine (black pepper extract) improves absorption 20-fold. Despite promising mechanisms, large-scale cardiovascular outcome trials are absent.
Interaction: High-dose curcumin has mild antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties — caution with warfarin and NOACs. Standard cooking amounts of turmeric are safe.
No Clinical Benefit
Resveratrol
Stilbenoid polyphenol — found in red wine
Claimed: "The reason red wine is healthy" — anti-ageing, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory
What the evidence shows: Resveratrol generated enormous excitement in the early 2000s following animal studies showing life-extension and cardiovascular protection. Clinical trials in humans have been consistently disappointing — most randomised trials show no meaningful benefit on cardiovascular biomarkers or outcomes. The amounts of resveratrol in red wine are too small to have any biological effect. Multiple large trials by SRT501 and others failed to demonstrate benefit. The hype has substantially outrun the evidence.
At this point, there is no good reason to take resveratrol supplements for cardiovascular protection based on current clinical trial data.
No Benefit
High Dose Harmful
Vitamin E
Alpha-tocopherol — fat-soluble antioxidant
Claimed: Antioxidant protection, prevents heart disease and cancer
What the evidence shows: Vitamin E supplements were one of the most widely promoted cardiovascular interventions of the 1990s based on observational data. The HOPE trial (9,541 patients, NEJM 2000) and GISSI-Prevenzione trial found no cardiovascular benefit. More concerning, a subsequent meta-analysis (Miller et al., JAMA 2005) found that high-dose vitamin E supplementation (above 400 IU/day) was associated with a small but statistically significant increase in all-cause mortality. Vitamin E from whole foods (nuts, seeds, olive oil) is not a concern.
Interaction: High-dose vitamin E potentiates anticoagulant effects — can increase bleeding risk with warfarin and antiplatelet drugs. Avoid high-dose supplementation.
Major Drug Interactions
St John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum — herbal antidepressant
Claimed: Relieves low mood, anxiety, and mild depression naturally
What the evidence shows: St John's Wort is not a heart supplement, but it is one of the most commonly taken herbal products by cardiac patients. It is a potent inducer of the CYP3A4 enzyme system — the metabolic pathway that breaks down a large proportion of cardiac medications. By accelerating drug breakdown, it reduces blood levels of multiple cardiac drugs to ineffective concentrations.
Critical interactions with cardiac medications: Warfarin (INR falls — clot risk), statins (reduced statin levels), digoxin (reduced to subtherapeutic levels), amiodarone (reduced levels), ciclosporin (transplant rejection risk), and most antiarrhythmic drugs. If you take any heart medication, do not take St John's Wort.
Modest Evidence
Aged Garlic Extract
Standardised allicin supplement
Claimed: Lowers blood pressure, reduces plaque, anti-platelet
What the evidence shows: Meta-analyses of small randomised trials suggest aged garlic extract reduces systolic blood pressure by approximately 5 mmHg in people with hypertension — comparable to the effect seen with raw culinary garlic. There is some evidence for modest LDL reduction and mild antiplatelet activity. Effects are real but modest. Aged garlic extract has better bioavailability and fewer GI side effects than raw garlic supplements.
One of the more plausible supplements at modest doses. The same benefit can be obtained more cheaply by eating 1–2 raw garlic cloves daily in food.
Good LDL Evidence
Psyllium Husk
Soluble fibre supplement — Metamucil, Fybogel
Claimed: Lowers LDL cholesterol, improves blood sugar, gut health
What the evidence shows: Psyllium is soluble fibre. Consistent meta-analyses show it reduces LDL cholesterol by 3–7% at 7–10g/day. It also modestly improves postprandial glucose and is used medically for irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. More accurately described as a food supplement than a pharmaceutical-style supplement. Widely available, inexpensive, and well-tolerated.
Take psyllium 1–2 hours away from prescribed medications as it can reduce absorption of other drugs if taken simultaneously.
Emerging Evidence
Probiotics
Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium — gut microbiome
Claimed: Improves gut health, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, reduces inflammation
What the evidence shows: The gut-heart axis is a genuine and rapidly evolving field. The gut microbiome influences bile acid metabolism, TMAO production, blood pressure regulation, and systemic inflammation — all cardiovascular risk factors. Meta-analyses suggest modest blood pressure reduction (2–3 mmHg) and small LDL reductions from specific strains. The challenge is that efficacy is highly strain-specific, and most commercial probiotic products have not been tested in cardiac trials. Generally very safe.
Fermented foods (yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut) likely provide similar or greater benefit than capsule-based probiotics, with less expense and better supporting evidence from dietary studies.
Patient safety — critical information
Supplements & cardiac drugs: dangerous combinations
The following interactions are not theoretical. They are documented in clinical case reports and pharmacological studies, and some have caused serious patient harm. If you take any of these cardiac medications, please review this table carefully and bring any questions to your next appointment.
Nattokinase + Warfarin / Apixaban / Rivaroxaban / Dabigatran
High Risk
Nattokinase has direct fibrinolytic (clot-dissolving) activity. Combined with anticoagulants, it dramatically increases bleeding risk — including intracranial haemorrhage and GI bleeding.
Stop nattokinase immediately if on any anticoagulant. Discuss with your cardiologist before restarting.
St John's Wort + Warfarin
High Risk
St John's Wort induces CYP2C9, the primary enzyme metabolising warfarin. INR falls unpredictably — potentially to sub-therapeutic levels, increasing stroke and clot risk in patients who need anticoagulation.
Absolute contraindication. Do not take St John's Wort with warfarin under any circumstances.
St John's Wort + Digoxin / Amiodarone / Statins
High Risk
CYP3A4 induction reduces plasma levels of digoxin (causing loss of arrhythmia control), amiodarone (loss of antiarrhythmic effect), and multiple statins. In heart transplant patients, ciclosporin levels fall far enough to trigger organ rejection.
Do not take St John's Wort if on any cardiac medication.
Red Yeast Rice + Prescribed Statin
High Risk
Red yeast rice contains monacolin K — chemically identical to lovastatin. Adding it to a prescribed statin is equivalent to doubling your statin dose without medical supervision, increasing myopathy and rhabdomyolysis risk.
Do not combine with any prescribed statin. If intolerant of statins, discuss alternatives with your cardiologist.
High-dose Fish Oil (>3g) + Anticoagulants / Antiplatelets
Moderate Risk
EPA and DHA have mild antiplatelet properties. At doses above 3g/day, this becomes clinically relevant alongside warfarin, NOACs, aspirin, or clopidogrel — increasing surgical and spontaneous bleeding risk.
Discuss with cardiologist before taking high-dose omega-3 alongside anticoagulants or antiplatelets. Standard 1g capsules are generally low-risk.
CoQ10 + Warfarin
Moderate Risk
CoQ10 has a structural similarity to vitamin K and may reduce the effectiveness of warfarin anticoagulation. INR may fall when CoQ10 is started and rise when it is stopped — both scenarios carry clinical risk.
If taking warfarin, check INR more frequently when starting or stopping CoQ10. Inform your anticoagulation clinic.
Berberine + Statins / Beta-blockers
Moderate Risk
Berberine inhibits CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, two major drug-metabolising enzymes. This can increase plasma levels of lovastatin, simvastatin, metoprolol, and other CYP3A4/2D6-metabolised cardiac drugs — increasing side effect risk.
Discuss with your cardiologist before taking berberine alongside cardiac medications.
High-dose Curcumin / Turmeric + Anticoagulants
Moderate Risk
High-dose curcumin (supplement doses, not culinary use) inhibits platelet aggregation and can potentiate warfarin and NOAC anticoagulation, increasing bleeding risk. Cooking with turmeric is not a concern.
Avoid high-dose curcumin supplements if on anticoagulants or antiplatelets. Culinary amounts are safe.
The golden rule: Tell your cardiologist, GP, and pharmacist about every supplement you take — including herbal teas, protein powders, sports supplements, and anything bought from a health food shop or online. Many patients consider supplements categorically different from "medication," but from a pharmacological interaction standpoint, they are not. The interactions above are well-documented in clinical practice. Disclosure costs nothing; undisclosed interactions can cause serious harm.
The regulatory landscape
Why "on sale" does not mean "proven safe"
Understanding how supplements are regulated — or rather, how minimally they are regulated — is essential context for evaluating any health claims made on packaging.
Not regulated as medicines
In the UK, food supplements are regulated by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) — not the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This means no clinical trial evidence is required before a supplement can be sold. A company does not have to prove a product works, or even that it is safe at the stated dose.
Health claims are tightly restricted
Ironically, UK and EU law prohibits supplement companies from making specific disease claims ("lowers blood pressure," "prevents heart attacks"). This is why packaging uses vague language like "supports cardiovascular health" or "contributes to normal heart function." These phrases are legally safe marketing language, not evidence-based claims.
Purity and dosing are not guaranteed
Studies testing commercial supplements have found that label accuracy is frequently poor — products may contain far more or less active ingredient than stated, or be contaminated with other substances (including in some cases undisclosed pharmaceutical drugs). Third-party tested products (NSF, USP, Informed Sport certification) offer better quality assurance.
"Natural" is a marketing term, not a safety classification. Arsenic, botulinum toxin, and many highly toxic alkaloids are entirely natural. Conversely, all medicines are derived or synthesised from natural sources. The naturalness of a compound tells us nothing about its safety, efficacy, or interaction profile.
A balanced view
When a supplement may be reasonable
Despite the overall message of caution, there are specific situations where supplementation is appropriate, evidence-supported, or at least defensible. These are the circumstances where I might consider recommending a supplement in clinic.
01
Treating a confirmed deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common in the UK. Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs in vegans and with long-term metformin or PPI use. Iron deficiency anaemia requires supplementation. These are not discretionary — correcting genuine deficiency is evidence-based medicine. A blood test identifies these and guides appropriate supplementation.
02
Plant sterols for LDL reduction
If you cannot tolerate a statin or want additional LDL lowering alongside one, plant sterols (Benecol, Flora pro.activ — 2g/day) provide a proven 7–10% LDL reduction via a well-understood mechanism. This is one of the few non-prescription options with solid clinical evidence behind it.
03
Prescription-dose omega-3 in high-risk patients
High-risk patients (diabetes, established cardiovascular disease) already on maximally tolerated statin therapy may benefit from prescription-dose purified EPA (icosapentaenoic acid, 4g/day) — as studied in REDUCE-IT. This is a cardiologist-initiated prescription, not a health food shop supplement decision.
04
Omega-3 for those who do not eat fish
If you genuinely cannot or will not eat oily fish, a high-quality algae-derived omega-3 supplement (the original source of EPA and DHA) is a reasonable substitute. Algae-based versions are also suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Keep doses modest (1–2g) unless under medical supervision.
05
Soluble fibre when dietary intake is genuinely poor
Psyllium husk (7–10g/day) has consistent evidence for 3–7% LDL reduction and is one of the closest things to a supplement that works via the same mechanism as food. If you cannot reliably eat legumes, oats, and vegetables in adequate amounts, psyllium is a safe and inexpensive option.
06
Magnesium if borderline deficient
A blood test can estimate magnesium status. If low-normal or deficient — common with diuretic use, poor diet, or excessive alcohol — magnesium glycinate 200–400mg daily is safe and may provide modest blood pressure benefit. Inexpensive, generally well-tolerated, and physiologically rational.
A framework for decisions
Ten principles for safe supplement use
If you decide to take a supplement, these principles will help you make a safer, better-informed decision.
01
Always tell your cardiologist what you take
Every single supplement, vitamin, herbal product, and sports nutrition product should be disclosed at every appointment. This is not about judgment — it is about safety. Bring the bottles if you are unsure of the names. Drug interactions are common, often silent, and occasionally dangerous.
02
Ask: is there a clinical trial, and how large was it?
The minimum bar for trusting a health claim is a randomised controlled trial in humans. Mechanistic studies (in vitro, animal), observational data, and testimonials are hypothesis-generating but not proof. Ask specifically: has this been tested in a double-blind RCT with cardiac outcomes? If not, treat the claim with appropriate scepticism.
03
Prioritise diet over supplements
Food contains thousands of bioactive compounds in physiological ratios — polyphenols, fibre, phytonutrients, antioxidants — that work synergistically in ways no capsule can replicate. A Mediterranean diet has more cardiovascular evidence than any supplement. Food is the original and most complex supplement.
04
Do not replace prescribed medication with supplements
Some patients reduce or stop their statin, blood pressure medication, or anticoagulant in order to "go natural" with supplements. This is dangerous. Cardiac medications have robust clinical trial evidence for reducing serious events and death. No supplement has equivalent evidence. Stopping prescribed medication should always be discussed with your cardiologist.
05
Be especially cautious on anticoagulants
Patients on warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, or dabigatran face the highest risk from supplement interactions. Anything with blood-thinning properties (nattokinase, high-dose fish oil, garlic extract, curcumin, vitamin E) can push anticoagulation to dangerous levels. If you are on an anticoagulant, discuss every supplement with your anticoagulation team or cardiologist before starting.
06
Choose third-party tested products
If you decide to take a supplement, select products certified by independent third-party testing bodies: NSF International, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), or Informed Sport. These certifications verify that the label accurately reflects the contents and that no undisclosed contaminants or pharmaceutical adulterants are present. This is especially important for supplements sourced online.
07
More is not better — respect upper limits
Several supplements that are safe at physiological doses become harmful at high doses: vitamin E increases mortality above 400 IU/day; vitamin A causes liver toxicity in excess; selenium causes toxicity at doses only modestly above the adequate intake. The dose makes the poison. Always stay within established upper tolerable intake levels.
08
Be sceptical of social media and influencer claims
The majority of supplement marketing now occurs on social media, where health claims that would be illegal on packaging are freely made. A confident Instagram doctor or wellness influencer presenting mechanistic or animal data as clinical proof is not equivalent to peer-reviewed evidence. Check whether a claim has been published in a reputable medical journal with independent peer review.
09
Get blood tests before supplementing
For vitamins and minerals, a blood test before starting supplementation tells you whether you actually need it. Supplementing without a baseline is pharmacologically unsound — you may be adding something you have in abundance or potentially pushing levels into excess. Your GP can arrange a full panel including vitamin D, B12, folate, iron studies, and magnesium.
10
Revisit your supplement list annually
Evidence on supplements changes. Something reasonable in 2022 may be contraindicated by 2025 data. Your medication list changes, meaning previous interactions may become relevant. Reviewing everything you take once a year — ideally with your cardiologist — ensures your supplement choices remain appropriate, safe, and aligned with your current health status.
Related guides
Continue your reading
For the lifestyle interventions with the strongest cardiovascular evidence, these guides cover diet, exercise, sleep, and the medications most commonly used alongside them.
Questions about what you are taking?
A cardiology consultation with Dr Nijjer includes a full review of your medications and supplements — identifying any interactions and helping you make evidence-based choices for your individual situation.
Book a ConsultationMedical disclaimer. This page provides general educational information and does not constitute personal medical advice. Evidence ratings reflect published clinical trial data at the time of writing and may change as new research emerges. Drug interaction information represents currently documented interactions but is not exhaustive. Before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement — particularly if you take prescribed cardiac medications including anticoagulants, antiplatelets, antiarrhythmics, or statins — consult your cardiologist or GP. Do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice.