While supplements should not replace a healthy lifestyle and medical treatments prescribed by healthcare professionals, certain supplements can potentially support overall cardiovascular health and help reduce the risk of stroke.
Below are some examples of supplements that have been studied for their potential stroke-preventive benefits.
Supplements
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Examples of food sources: Fish oil supplements, flaxseed oil, and algae oil.
- Benefits: Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, have anti-inflammatory properties and can help lower triglycerides, reduce blood pressure, and prevent blood clots, all of which are risk factors for stroke.
2. Vitamin D
- Examples of food sources: Fatty fish, eggs, fortified foods. Note: Sun exposure is a non-food source of vitamin D.
- Benefits: Adequate levels of vitamin D are linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. Some studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of stroke.
Vitamin D is not a single compound; it is actually a whole group of fat-soluble secosteroids that are important in various ways in the human body, including helping us increase our intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium and phosphate. In the human body, two of the most important members of the Vitamin D group is D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol).
Humans can synthesize Vitamin D in the lower layers of the epidermis when exposed to Ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation. For many people, this is the major natural source of Vitamin D.
The ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol mentioned above can also be gotten from our diet. In many countries, cow´s milk and plant-derived milk substitutes are fortified with vitamin D.
Vitamin D (from food or produced in the skin) is biologically inactive and needs to be activated by two protein enzyme hydroxylation steps in the body to become useful for us. The first step takes place in the liver, and the second step in the kidneys.
3. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
- Examples of food sources: Small amounts in meat, fish, seed oils
- Benefits: CoQ10 is an antioxidant that helps in cellular energy production. It has been shown to improve blood vessel function and lower blood pressure, potentially reducing stroke risk.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, is a biochemical cofactor (coenzyme) and antioxidant produced by the human body, but it can also be obtained from certain foods. Ubiquinone is found in many organisms, including bacteria.
4. Magnesium
- Examples of food sources: Green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
- Benefits: Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Studies suggest that higher magnesium intake is associated with a reduced risk of stroke.
5. Vitamin B Complex
- Examples of food sources: Meat, eggs, dairy products, whole grain, legumes, seeds, nuts.
- Benefits: Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid help lower homocysteine levels in the blood, which is associated with a reduced risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.
The B-vitamins form a group of eight water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in our bodies, especially when it comes to cell metabolism and the creation of red blood cells. Dietary supplements that contain all eight B-vitamines are commonly marketed as Vitamin B Complex supplements. Each B-vitamin is either a cofactor for key metabolic processses or is a precursor needed to make a cofactor in the human body.
- Vitamin B1 – Thiamine
- Vitamin B2 – Riboflavin
- Vitamin B3 – Niacin (nicotinic acid), Niacinamide, Nicotinamide riboside
- Vitamin B5 – Pantothenic acid
- Vitamin B6 – Pyridoxine, Pyridoxal, Pyridoxamine
- Vitamin B7 – Biotin
- Vitamin B9 – Folate / Folacine
- Vitamin B12 – Cobalamins
6. Curcumin
- Examples of food sources: Turmeric (the rhizome of the plant Curcuma longa)
- Benefits: Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may improve blood vessel function and reduce the risk of stroke by preventing blood clots and reducing inflammation.
Curcumin is a bright yellow chemial found in the rhizome of the plant Turmeric (Curcuma longa). This plant belongs to the ginger family, Zingiberaceae.
7. Garlic
- Examples of food sources: Garlic cloves
- Benefits: Garlic has been shown to reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and have anti-thrombotic effects, which may help reduce the risk of stroke.
8. Resveratrol
- Examples of food sources: Red wine, grape skin, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries, peanuts.
- Benefits: Resveratrol is an antioxidant that may protect against stroke by improving endothelial function, reducing inflammation, and preventing blood clot formation.
Reservatrol is a natural phenol or polyphenol produced by certain plants in respons to the injury or when the plant is under attack by pathogens. It is a phytoalexin, i.e. an antimicrobial substance defensively synthesized de novo by plants at the site of a pathogen infection.
Important Considerations
- Consult with a Healthcare Professional: Always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Supplements should complement a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, not smoking, and managing stress.
- Quality of Supplements: Choose high-quality supplements from reputable brands to ensure you are getting the right dosage and purity.
Conclusion
While no supplement can guarantee the prevention of strokes, certain supplements may help support cardiovascular health and reduce risk factors associated with strokes. Always prioritize a holistic approach, incorporating a healthy lifestyle, and consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice.