Do I need supplements for better heart health?

BHF dietitian Victoria Taylor says:

Many different supplements are available in the shops and on the internet, some of which make claims about improving general health and specific conditions like heart disease. But these claims are not always true.

Taking a supplement cannot undo the negative effects of an unhealthy diet. Research also shows that supplements do not help to stop or improve heart and circulatory diseases. In some cases, supplements can even be harmful.

You may think supplements are healthier than food because they contain high levels of vitamins and minerals. But more is not always better. Having too much of some vitamins and minerals can be bad for your health. It is a good idea to avoid any multivitamins that include a mix of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin E and beta-carotene. This is because research shows these supplements do not improve cardiovascular disease and are linked to a raised risk of death.

Some supplements can also affect the medicines you are taking, causing side effects. For example, vitamin K, omega-3 and St John’s wort all interact with the blood-thinning drug warfarin.

Talk to your doctor before spending money on supplements. If you need them they will prescribe or recommend them.

The exception to this is that it is recommended we all take 10 micrograms a day of vitamin D supplement in the autumn and winter, because vitamin D is mainly made in our bodies with the help of sunlight. Just a little comes from food.

Apart from this, a healthy, varied, balanced diet provides all the energy, vitamins and minerals you need.

Meet the expert

Victoria Taylor is a senior dietitian with more than 10 years’ experience. Her work for the NHS focused on weight management and community programmes for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. At the BHF she advises on diet and nutrition.