6 Vitamins/Nutrients That Support Arterial Health
1. Vitamin D
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Role: Supports vascular function, reduces inflammation.
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Evidence: Low vitamin D levels are linked with higher cardiovascular risk.
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Sources: Sunlight, fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), fortified milk, supplements if deficient.
2. Vitamin K2
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Role: Helps regulate calcium in arteries, may prevent arterial calcification.
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Evidence: Some studies suggest K2 directs calcium into bones rather than blood vessels.
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Sources: Natto (fermented soybeans), hard cheeses, egg yolks.
3. Vitamin C
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Role: Antioxidant that protects arteries from oxidative damage.
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Evidence: Supports collagen in arterial walls, reduces oxidative stress.
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Sources: Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli.
4. Vitamin E
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Role: Antioxidant that may protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation.
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Evidence: Mixed results; may be more effective in food form than supplements.
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Sources: Nuts, seeds, spinach, sunflower oil.
5. B Vitamins (B6, B12, Folate)
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Role: Reduce homocysteine levels, a marker linked to cardiovascular risk.
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Evidence: Supplements can lower homocysteine, but effect on heart attacks is modest.
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Sources: Leafy greens, eggs, meat, fortified cereals.
6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA)
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Technically a nutrient, not a vitamin, but strongly linked to heart health.
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Role: Reduce triglycerides, inflammation, and blood clotting.
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Sources: Fatty fish, flaxseed, chia seeds, fish oil supplements.
Key Points
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Lifestyle matters most: Exercise, balanced diet, not smoking, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.
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Supplements are supportive: They can help if you are deficient or at risk, but they cannot dissolve existing plaque on their own.
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Medical supervision: Anyone with heart disease should consult a doctor before taking high-dose vitamins, especially vitamin E or omega-3s, as they can interact with medications.
If you want, I can create a practical “daily vitamin plan for artery support” showing which foods and supplements together can support heart and arterial health. This would be entirely safe and evidence-based.
Do you want me to make that plan?