CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant molecule that helps our mitochondrial cells function more efficiently. Mitochondria are energy producing parts of cells found throughout the body, however this is important as mitochondrial cells are found in very high concentrations in heart muscle. Research evidence supports the use of CoQ10 for various heart conditions including Heart Failure, in which the heart muscle function is compromised. Other studies have found that supplementing with CoQ10 reduces the oxidation that can lead to clogged arteries, which are common in heart disease.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral with many beneficial functions in the body. It acts in hundreds of biochemical reactions and helps maintain normal nerve and muscle function. Magnesium is an essential mineral that has been found to be low in typical western diets, meaning that many people are not consuming the recommended daily dose of magnesium. With respect to cardiovascular health, studies have shown that people with higher magnesium levels in their blood had a lower risk of having a significant cardiovascular event in the future.

L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine (or Acetyl-L-Carnitine) is a natural compound derived from amino acids. It is found most abundantly in red meat, specifically lamb. Biochemically, carnitine is involved in mitochondrial energy production (remember that heart muscle has a high concentration of mitochondria). Carnitine helps transport fatty acids from the blood stream to inside cells so that it can be used for energy production. A 2013 study showed L-Carnitine supplementation to be effective in the secondary prevention of Cardiovascular disease, meaning that it helped prevent chest pain and a second heart attack in those who already had one, and thus were at an increased risk.

D-Ribose

D-Ribose is a sugar like molecule that is involved directly with the production of adenosine triphosphate ATP – the major cellular energy source in the body. ATP is necessary for the contraction of muscle tissue, both skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle. Preliminary studies have shown promising results in the use of d-ribose for patients with cardiovascular disease in improving their ability to exercise after having a heart attack. Furthermore, and keeping in line with the cardiovascular studies, d-ribose may be more effective than traditional sugars at replenishing ATP after bouts of intense exercise.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids, also known as fish oil, are essential fatty acids used by the body in a number of differing functions including cellular signaling and inflammation modulating. The American Heart Association advocates for the use of fish oil supplements for certain populations who have existing cardiovascular disease or who have had a heart attack in the past, though other populations may also benefit from the use of fish oil.