The importance of B vitamins’ supplementation in patients with cardiovascular diseases Review article
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Abstract
According to the surveys, 72% of Poles are taking supplements, but less than one fifth of them are consulting their choices with a healthcare professional. The following article is an overview of publications and guidelines regarding supplementation of group B vitamins in cardiology. From the cardiological perspective, the most crucial are folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12 as well as homocysteine, which is related to those vitamins. The established indications for vitamin supplementation include treatment of deficiencies and preventing them in at-risk groups. Folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12 deficiencies may lead to elevated homocysteine levels, which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, many randomized controlled trials and their meta-analyses were unable to show a positive impact of group B vitamin supplementation on cardiovascular disease risk reduction and overall morality, except for a possible mild beneficial effect on stroke incidence. A need for supplementation of vitamin deficiencies may occur in certain clinical settings. For instance, prolonged use of high dose furosemide may lead to vitamin B1 deficiency, and long-term use of metformin may result in decreased vitamin B12 absorption. In general, multivitamin supplementation for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in healthy individuals consuming a well-balanced diet is not advised due to the lack of evidence supporting the beneficial outcomes.
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