The 9 Best Supplements for Heart Health, According to a Dietitian







 When it comes to heart health, it is important, first and foremost, to focus on lifestyle habits like getting enough physical activity, managing stress, getting enough sleep, avoiding smoking, and eating a balanced diet. “Many supplements are advertised as heart healthy, but the research does not support supplements to override your nutrition, lifestyle, and medication to optimize your heart health,” says cardiology dietitian Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDE, CDN.

If you do not consume fish (a potent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids), you have food intolerances or allergies to heart-healthy foods, or if you have known vitamin or mineral deficiencies, then heart health supplements may especially be beneficial for you. 

When selecting a supplement for heart health, you should consider your reasoning for using it. Some supplements support blood pressure, while others support a healthy weight or cholesterol levels. We also recommend opting for supplements that are third-party tested. If you have a heart condition, we recommend speaking with a healthcare provider first to determine if supplements are appropriate for you.

Some heart health supplements may interfere with medications. Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs and which dosage to take. 



Pros
  • Third-party tested

  • Small serving size

Cons
  • Dose may not be appropriate for all

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Liquid is a fish oil supplement with a high dose of omega-3 fats. Unsaturated omega-3 fats, including ALA, EPA, and DHA, are beneficial for heart health as they may help lower triglycerides, improve blood pressure, and reduce inflammation. ALA can be found in soybean, canola, walnut, and flaxseed oils, while EPA and DHA are found in fish like tuna, salmon, herring, trout, and algae. Getting these fats through food or in supplement form like Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Liquid may reduce the risk of heart disease and help lower blood pressure.

This fish oil supplement comes in liquid form, so it is easy to take. You can add one teaspoon to a liquid of choice to get 1,460 milligrams of EPA and 1,010 milligrams of DHA. Keep in mind that this dose may not be suitable for all, so we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional to determine an appropriate dose for your individual needs. It is important to note that the US Food and Drug Administration recommends no more than 5 grams of EPA and DHA combined from supplements daily unless a healthcare provider indicates otherwise. 

This fish oil supplement is lemon flavored, so you won’t experience any fishy aftertaste, and it is free from artificial fillers or additives. Nordic Naturals also provides a Certificate of Analysis for each product to verify that it has been third-party tested.

Price at time of publication: $36 ($1.50 per serving)

Form: Liquid | Dose: 1 teaspoon | Third-Party Tested: Yes | Servings Per Container: 24

DEVA Vegan Omega-3 DHA-EPA
Pros
  • ConsumerLab.com tested and approved

  • Suitable for vegans or for those who don’t eat fish

Cons
  • Large pill

If you are a vegan, vegetarian, have a fish allergy, or simply do not enjoy fish, then you might consider turning to a vegan omega-3 supplement like DEVA to get a dose of these heart-healthy fats. 

While walnuts, flaxseed, and chia seeds contain the omega-3 fat ALA, they do not contain EPA or DHA—the fats that are beneficial for heart health. The ALA must be converted to EPA and DHA in the body, and this process is not very efficient. Therefore, taking a vegan omega-3 supplement in EPA and DHA form may be beneficial.

DEVA Vegan Omega 3 DHA-EPA contains 300-420 milligrams of DHA per serving, along with 150-210 milligrams of EPA. These supplements are in softgel form, with orange oil and rosemary extract for flavor. This supplement has been tested for purity and potency through ConsumerLab.com's voluntary certification program, and it was included as a top pick in 

GNC CoQ-10, 100 mg
Amazon
Pros
  • ConsumerLab.com tested and approved

  • Softgel form

best fiber supplements
Amazon
Pros
  • Single ingredient

  • Budget friendly

  • May help improve blood sugar management and bowel regularity

  • Most researched-backed fiber supplement for heart health

Cons
  • Thickens quickly in liquids

To take this supplement, simply mix one teaspoon of powder into at least eight ounces of water. It is recommended to drink it immediately because psyllium husk thickens quickly in liquid. In general, it is important to hydrate adequately when supplementing with fiber to avoid gastrointestinal issues such as constipation and bloating. 

You should also be aware that fiber supplements can reduce absorption of certain medications. If you are taking any medication, have difficulty swallowing, or have any active gastrointestinal inflammation or disease, you should consult a healthcare provider before taking a fiber supplement. 


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