‘Healthy’ supplements can increase heart attack and stroke risk, top US cardiologist warns

The supplement market is booming. People are popping supplements like candies in hopes of a healthier body and mind. Supplements are consumed by millions of people globally for a variety of reasons, including improving heart health, getting adequate sleep, or boosting immunity. But are these supplements really improving your health? Dr. Evan Levine, a senior board-certified cardiologist in New York with nearly 30 years of experience treating obesity, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and high blood pressure, warns how some supplements can harm the heart. Take a look.

There are plenty of supplements on the market claiming to improve heart health. One of the most talked about supplements for the heart is vitamin D. Vitamin D, often called the ‘sunshine vitamin’, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. But can it prevent heart attacks? Well, the labels of some vitamin D supplements claim so.

In a video shared on Instagram, Dr. Levine debunked certain myths about heart health. One among them was consuming vitamin D supplements to reduce the risk of a heart attack. The cardiologist emphasized that this is “simply not true.”

“Studies show that while low vitamin D is associated with heart disease, taking supplements does not reduce risk,” the doctor said.

The heart specialist also stressed that people should steer clear of gummy supplements, as they can do more harm than good. “I also want to point out to stay away from all those gummy supplements that often contain a teaspoon of sugar in each dose. Or worse, substances that have erythritol, which an NIH-funded Cleveland Clinic study shows may be associated with a higher risk of strokes and heart attacks. Stay away from the gummies, folks,” the cardiologist said.

A 2022 trial led by the University of Eastern Finland found that taking a much higher dose of vitamin D than recommended for five years did not affect total mortality or the incidence of cardiovascular disease or cancer in older men and women. The findings of the trial were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The article is titled "Vitamin D supplementation and prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer in the Finnish Vitamin D Trial – a randomized controlled trial."

Another supplement that is gaining popularity for its benefits for the heart is CoQ10 supplements. These supplements claim to maintain a healthy level of coenzyme in the body, and thereby help support healthy cellular function and maintain a healthy heart.

Dr. Levine, however, has a different opinion on these supplements. The doctor expresses that most of them are only vain claims. “They sell this stuff on TV, saying it is good for the heart. Again, a big lie,” he said.

“While some people feel it helps reduce the aches and pains from statins, others feel it's more of a placebo effect. No one should make that statement. It's not true. It's false. CoQ10 is not associated with better heart outcomes,” he explained.

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More research is needed to fully understand its role, but current evidence does not support CoQ10 as a proven treatment for heart disease or statin side effects.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking supplements.

Keep your heart healthy through the right diet and exercise