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B Complex Vitamins & Heart Disease

B complex vitamins are the large group of B vitamins that are necessary to keep our bodily functions performing properly. Different B vitamins are essential for different processes, including those specifically beneficial for heart disease.

  1. Beneficial for Heart Disease

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, certain B complex vitamins have been shown to be beneficial for treating heart conditions. These include B-3 (niacin), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-9 (folate or folic acid) and B-12 (cobalamin).

    To Improve Blood Circulation

    • Vitamin B-3 (niacin) helps to improve blood circulation. As an added benefit, the Mayo Clinic reports that niacin can help improve cholesterol levels if used in higher recommended doses; this should only be done under a doctor's supervision.

    To Control Homocysteine Levels

    • Vitamin B-6, when used with B-9 and B-12, work together to control homocysteine levels. An increase in homocysteine levels increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.

    To Prevent Heart Disease

    • Vitamin B-9 is folate or folic acid; folate occurs naturally in certain foods, while folic acid is the synthetic form of folate. The Mayo Clinic reports there is solid evidence that B-9 can prevent heart disease.

    Deficiency in Older Adults

    • The Mayo Clinic reports that older adults are more likely to be deficient in B-12 vitamins, which are essential to almost every body system. B-12 is showing benefits in the treatment of cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol.

    Warning

    • Vitamins are considered dietary supplements by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and are not subject to the same quality controls as drugs.

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