Even essential nutrients could be harmful for your heart in high doses.
We spoke with nutrition experts about supplements that could be dangerous for heart health.
Below, we share what they are and why they can be problematic.
Photo:Abbey Littlejohn
Vitamin E
Vitamin Eacts as an antioxidant, which is generally beneficial for heart health.
However, the high doses found in supplements can be harmful.
Vitamin E has a great many benefits.
Somecaffeine(say, from coffee or tea) is generally safe for heart health.
Beta Carotene
Beta carotene is another antioxidant thats worth incorporating into your diet.
Remember the USPSTF recommendation we mentioned earlier?
Yet, there isnt enough research to support any of these benefits.
And when it comes to heart health, studies show that licorice root supplements may even be dangerous.
This is especially dangerous if you alreadyhave high blood pressure.
Some even illegally add the drug lovastatin.
Instead, focus on staying active, eating aheart-healthy diet, managing stress and getting enough sleep.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Heart Disease Facts.
2022;327(23):2326. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.8970
National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements.
2021;13(2):368. doi:10.3390/nu13020368
National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements.
Fact Sheet for Consumers.Calcium.
Mendoza MF, Sulague RM, Posas-Mendoza T, Lavie CJ.Impact of Coffee Consumption on Cardiovascular Health.Ochsner J.
2023;23(2):152-158. doi:10.31486/toj.22.0073
American Heart Association.Teatime can be good for your health.
American Medical Association.What doctors wish patients knew about the impact of caffeine.
National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements.
Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.Vitamin A and Carotenoids.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Licorice Root.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Red Yeast Rice: What you’re gonna wanna Know.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Physical Activity and Your Heart.
American Heart Association.Stress and Heart Health.
American Heart Association.Sleep Disorders and Heart Health.
American Heart Association.The American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations.
