But for those who don't eat right or who may be at risk of heart disease, the heart-health claims of some dietary supplements may seem like a stroke of luck. At least 40 percent of people in the United States take vitamin supplements to promote health and prevent disease. However, in many cases, clear documentation of beneficial effects is lacking, and there's a large amount of misinformation. Here's an overview of the more common supplements that make a heart-health claim and the existing research. Antioxidants Antioxidants are substances that slow oxidation by neutralizing free radicals.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can oxidize, or damage, other molecules.
The more LDL cholesterol absorbed the greater the risk of formation of plaques and narrowed arteries. Therefore, in theory, antioxidants may reduce the risk of heart disease. Vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene and coenzyme Q-10 are antioxidants. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps prevent damage from free radicals. Some studies show that vitamin E might prevent or slow progression of plaque formation if you already have heart disease.