Vitamins are certainly the best known and most used food supplements but by evaluating the many studies and researches that have been done in this regard, we can say that only a few can actually play a role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Their benefit seems to be due to their antioxidant effect and a correction of endothelial dysfunction, which among the main beneficial effects is thought to hinder the progression of atherosclerosis, which we know to be the pathogenetic foundation that causes angina, heart attack, sudden death and stroke, in addition some vitamins are also involved in the metabolism of some cardiovascular risk factors.

Surely among all the vitamins E, D, B and C they are the most important vitamins with an antioxidant effect and also those most commonly known even by non-professionals.

Vitamin E and C

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with several forms, but alpha-tocopherol is the only one used by the human body. Its main role is to act as an antioxidant, eliminating loose electrons - the so-called "free radicals" - that can damage cells. It also improves immune function and prevents clot formation in the heart arteries. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin. This means that it dissolves in water and is delivered to the body's tissues but is not well stored, so it must be taken daily through food or supplements.

Vitamin C plays a role in infection control and wound healing and is a powerful antioxidant capable of neutralizing harmful free radicals. It is needed to make collagen, a fibrous protein in connective tissue that is woven into various systems of the body: nervous, immune, bone, cartilage, blood, and others. The vitamin helps produce various hormones and chemical messengers used in the brain and nerves. However, despite prospective epidemiological studies suggesting that a lower plasma level of vitamins E and C increases cardiovascular risk, large-scale prospective clinical outcome studies have not shown a significant reduction in cardiovascular events. High levels of vitamin E supplementation have actually been associated with increased mortality. Similarly, some studies on cardiovascular risk factors indicate that vitamin C may moderately reduce total serum cholesterol levels, increase HDL levels and exert a hypotensive effect, however some epidemiological studies have been inconclusive in this regard. A possible explanation of the limited effect of vitamin E and C may be due to the modality, the time of administration and the presence of further adverse effects independent of the endothelium due to therapeutic interventions such as a possible smoothing of the ischemic myocardial "preconditioning". some studies on cardiovascular risk factors indicate that vitamin C may moderately reduce total serum cholesterol levels, increase HDL levels and exert a hypotensive effect, however some epidemiological studies have been inconclusive in this regard. A possible explanation of the limited effect of vitamin E and C may be due to the modality, the time of administration and the presence of further adverse effects independent of the endothelium due to therapeutic interventions such as a possible smoothing of the ischemic myocardial "preconditioning". some studies on cardiovascular risk factors indicate that vitamin C may moderately reduce total serum cholesterol levels, increase HDL levels and exert a hypotensive effect, however some epidemiological studies have been inconclusive in this regard. A possible explanation of the limited effect of vitamin E and C may be due to the modality, the time of administration and the presence of further adverse effects independent of the endothelium due to therapeutic interventions such as a possible smoothing of the ischemic myocardial "preconditioning".

The evidence of vitamin D

Vitamin D is both a nutrient that we introduce daily into our body, and a hormone that our bodies produce. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that has long been known to help the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus; both are essential for bone building. In addition, laboratory studies show that vitamin D can reduce the growth of cancer cells, help control infections and reduce inflammation. Many of the body’s organs and tissues have vitamin D receptors, which suggest important roles beyond bone health, and scientists are actively studying other possible functions.

Few foods naturally contain vitamin D, although some foods are fortified with vitamin. For most people, the best way to get enough vitamin D is to take a supplement because it is difficult to eat enough through food. Vitamin D supplements are available in two forms: vitamin D2 ("ergocalciferol" or pre-vitamin D) and vitamin D3 ("cholecalciferol").

 

Both are also natural forms that are produced in the presence of ultraviolet B (UVB) rays of the sun, but D2 is produced in plants and fungi and D3 in animals, including humans. Vitamin D production in the skin is the main natural source of vitamin D, but many people have insufficient levels because they live in places where sunlight is limited in winter, or because they have limited sun exposure due to their stay inside for most of the time. In addition, people with darker skin tend to have lower blood levels of vitamin D because the pigment (melanin) acts as a shadow, reducing vitamin D production (and also reducing the harmful effects of sunlight on the skin, including skin cancer). Research seems stronger when it comes to vitamin D. A lower plasma level of vitamin D is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular events and is all the more evident in hyperthesis. In addition, vitamin D deficiency appears to be associated with endothelial dysfunction and lipid peroxidation.

Vitamins in group B


The B vitamins are necessary in these cases to promote the proper functioning of the nervous system and psychological functions. They also reduce fatigue and fatigue. These vitamins help to strengthen the nerves and improve the transmission of the nervous impulse.

These are B vitamins:

  • Vitamin B1
  • Vitamin B2
  • Vitamin B3 or PP
  • Vitamin B5
  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin B8 or H
  • Vitamin BC or folate
  • Vitamin B12

The vitamins of the B group perform numerous essential functions for the human organism, therefore, the contribution with the diet should be constantly adequate and, although they are molecules mostly storable in the liver, their intake must first comply with the recommended rations and the individual needs to maintain the state of health.

References

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Miller ER, 3rd, Pastor-Barriuso R, Dalal D, et al. Meta-analysis: High-dosage vitamin E supplementation may increase all-cause mortality. Ann Intern Med 2005;142:37–46
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Ascorbic acid and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Subcell Biochem. 1996;25:331-67

Tritto I, Ambrosio G. Role of oxidants in the signalling pathway of preconditioning. Antioxid Redox Signal 2001;3:3–10

Wang TJ, Pencina MJ, Booth SL, et al. Vitamin D deficiency and risk of cardiovascular disease. Circulation 2008;117:503–511

Sugden JA, Davies JI, Witham MD, et al. Vitamin D improves endothelial function in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and low vitamin D levels. Diabet Med 2008;25:320–325.

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Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on Dietary Antioxidants and Related Compounds. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2000.