Cardiovascular disease including atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart failure, and elevated lipids.
Garlic aged for 20 months, converting allicin to S-allyl cysteine and other stable compounds. Better tolerated than raw garlic. Kyolic brand is the most studied. Some evidence for arterial calcification reduction.
Plant-based source of DHA and EPA from microalgae — the same source fish get their omega-3s from. Suitable for vegetarians/vegans. Equivalent bioavailability to fish oil.
Rich source of dietary nitrate, which converts to nitric oxide. Improves blood vessel dilation, blood pressure, and exercise performance. One of the best evidence-based ergogenic supplements.
Alkaloid from goldenseal and barberry. Activates AMPK, same pathway as metformin. Strong evidence for blood sugar and lipid management. Sometimes called 'nature's metformin.'
Soluble fiber found in oats, barley, and yeast. Oat beta-glucan has an FDA-approved health claim for cholesterol reduction. Also modulates immune function.
Essential coenzyme in mitochondrial energy production. Levels decline with age and are depleted by statins. Ubiquinol is the active reduced form with better bioavailability.
Essential fatty acids the body cannot produce. EPA and DHA support cardiovascular health, reduce triglycerides, and have anti-inflammatory effects. One of the most studied supplements in existence.
One of the oldest medicinal plants. Allicin is the primary active compound formed when garlic is crushed. Evidence for modest blood pressure and cholesterol reduction.
Naturally occurring compounds in plants that block cholesterol absorption. FDA-approved health claim for heart disease risk reduction. One of the most evidence-backed supplements for LDL.
Essential electrolyte. Most Americans don't get enough from diet. Critical for blood pressure, heart rhythm, and kidney function. OTC supplements are limited to 99 mg per dose (FDA regulation).
Soluble fiber from Plantago ovata seeds. One of the most evidence-backed supplements for cholesterol and blood sugar management. FDA-approved health claim for heart disease risk reduction.
Fermented rice containing monacolin K, which is chemically identical to lovastatin. Effective for cholesterol but controversial due to variable monacolin content and regulatory concerns.
Conditionally essential amino acid abundant in brain, heart, and muscle. 2023 Science paper showed lifespan extension across multiple species. Supports GABA-ergic signaling and cardiovascular function.
Active compound in turmeric with broad anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Poor bioavailability requires enhanced formulations (piperine, phytosome, nanoparticle). One of the most researched natural compounds.
Essential B vitamin critical for DNA synthesis, methylation, and homocysteine metabolism. Methylfolate (5-MTHF) is the active form, preferred over folic acid especially for MTHFR variants.
Water-soluble fiber from konjac root. Absorbs enormous amounts of water, promoting satiety. EU-approved weight loss claim at 3g/day. Also lowers cholesterol and blood sugar.
Amino acid derivative that shuttles fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production. Different forms have different targets: L-carnitine for heart/muscle, acetyl-L-carnitine for brain.
Amino acid that converts to L-arginine, then to nitric oxide. More effective at raising arginine levels than arginine supplementation itself (better oral bioavailability). Supports blood vessel health.
The most bioavailable form of magnesium for sleep and relaxation. Glycine itself has calming properties. US Army studies showed magnesium reduced noise-induced hearing damage. Addresses widespread deficiency — estimated 50% of Americans are magnesium deficient.
Vitamin B3 in its nicotinic acid form. Most effective supplement for raising HDL. Fell out of favor after AIM-HIGH and HPS2-THRIVE trials questioned cardiovascular outcomes despite lipid improvement.
Polyphenols from olive leaves and extra virgin olive oil. Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol are key active compounds. Part of the Mediterranean diet's cardioprotective mechanism.
Rich source of punicalagins and ellagitannins. Gut bacteria convert these to urolithin A, which activates mitophagy. Evidence for cardiovascular and cognitive benefits.
Flavonoid found in onions, apples, and berries with anti-inflammatory and senolytic properties. When combined with dasatinib, selectively clears senescent cells. Phytosome form improves poor bioavailability.
Polyphenol found in red wine, grape skins, and Japanese knotweed. Activates SIRT1 and AMPK pathways. Dramatic longevity effects in animal models have not clearly translated to humans.
Blue-green microalgae with exceptional nutrient density. Rich in protein, B vitamins, iron, and phycocyanin (unique blue pigment with anti-inflammatory properties). One of the most nutrient-dense foods on Earth.
Fat-soluble vitamin functioning like a hormone, affecting 1,000+ genes. Widespread deficiency (40% of US adults). Critical for bone, immune, and cardiovascular health.
Directs calcium to bones and away from arteries. Works synergistically with D3. MK-7 form has longest half-life.
Carotenoid from microalgae — gives salmon and flamingos their color. Estimated 6,000x stronger than vitamin C in singlet oxygen quenching. Crosses blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers.
Essential mineral for bone health. Controversial for cardiovascular safety — some meta-analyses suggest increased MI risk with supplements (not dietary calcium). Citrate form better absorbed.
Traditional anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory remedy with modern clinical validation. Gingerols and shogaols are the active compounds. Evidence for nausea, pain, and metabolic markers.
Form of vitamin B3 that serves as NAD+ precursor. NAD+ levels decline with age. NR raises NAD+ effectively without niacin flushing. Whether NAD+ elevation translates to health benefits is the key question.
Another NAD+ precursor, popularized by David Sinclair. Debates NR vs NMN. Recent human trial from University of Washington showed improved muscle insulin sensitivity. Regulatory status has been uncertain.
Micronutrient that stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis — the creation of new mitochondria. Found in small amounts in foods. Relatively new supplement with growing but still limited evidence base.
Essential antioxidant vitamin. Included in AREDS2 formula for AMD. Supports immune function, collagen synthesis, and iron absorption. Megadose claims are largely unsupported.
Fat-soluble antioxidant. Part of AREDS2 formula for AMD. SELECT trial raised concerns about prostate cancer risk at high doses. Mixed tocopherols may be safer than alpha-tocopherol alone.
There are other evidence-based interventions studied for heart disease: