B vitamins for the heart: role and meaning

B vitamins for the heart: role and meaning

I. Introduction: cardiovascular diseases and risk factors

Cardiovascular diseases (SVD) remain a leading cause of mortality around the world. Understanding the risk factors contributing to the development of SVD is crucial for prevention and treatment. These risk factors include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension): Increased pressure on the walls of arteries, leading to their damage and an increase in the risk of a heart attack and stroke.
• High cholesterol level: Excess cholesterol in the blood, especially “bad” cholesterol (LDL), can lead to the formation of plaques in arteries (atherosclerosis).
• Smoking: Damages blood vessels, increases blood pressure and reduces the level of “good” cholesterol (HDL).
• Diabetes sugar: The increased blood sugar damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk of heart disease.
• Obesity: Excessive weight provides an additional burden on the heart and increases the risk of other Risk risk factors.
• Sedentary lifestyle: The lack of physical activity contributes to obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Inal meals: A high content of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol and sodium increases the risk of heart disease.
• Family history of heart disease: A genetic predisposition can increase the risk of CVD.
• Age: The risk of heart disease increases with age.
• Floor: In men, the risk of heart disease is usually higher than in women, before menopause.
• Stress: Chronic stress can increase blood pressure and contribute to other Risk risk factors.
• High level of homocysteine: The amino acid in the blood, the high level of which is associated with the increased risk of the CVD.

II. B vitamins B: Review and functions

B vitamins are a group of water -soluble vitamins that play an important role in cell metabolism. They are necessary for the functioning of various enzymes involved in the energy exchange, the work of the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells. Group B vitamins include:

• Vitamin B1 (TIAMIN): It is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates and the functioning of the nervous system.
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Participates in energy metabolism and protects cells from oxidative stress.
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin): It is important for the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, as well as for the health of the skin and the nervous system.
• Vitamin B5 (pantotenic acid): It is necessary for the synthesis of Coenzym A (COA), which plays a key role in energy exchange.
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxin): Participates in amino acid metabolism, the synthesis of neurotransmitters and the formation of red blood cells.
• Vitamin B7 (Biotin): It is necessary for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
• Vitamin B9 (folic acid): It is important for cell division, DNA and RNA synthesis, as well as to prevent defects in the nervous tube in the fetus during pregnancy.
• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): It is necessary for the functioning of the nervous system, the formation of red blood cells and DNA synthesis.

III. The role of group B vitamins in heart health: action mechanisms

B vitamins affect the health of the heart through several key mechanisms:

• Reduced level of homocysteine: A high level of homocysteine ​​is a risk factor in the CVD. Vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid are involved in homocysteine ​​metabolism, turning it into other, less harmful substances. The deficiency of these vitamins can lead to an increase in the level of homocysteine.
• Improving the function of the endothelium: Endothelium is the inner layer of blood vessels, which plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure and prevent the formation of blood clots. Some vitamins of group B, especially Niacin (B3), can improve the function of the endothelium, contributing to the expansion of blood vessels and reducing the risk of blood clots.
• Close -to -level decrease in cholesterol: Niacin (B3) in high doses can reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increase the level of “good” cholesterol (HDL). However, high doses of niacin can cause side effects, so its use should be controlled by a doctor.
• Antioxidant Protection: Riboflavin (B2) is a component of the antioxidant enzyme reductase glutathione, which protects the cells from damage by free radicals. Oxidative stress plays a role in the development of the CVD.
• Improving energy metabolism in the heart muscle: Tiamin (B1) is necessary for carbohydrate metabolism, which is the main source of energy for the heart muscle. Tiamine deficiency can lead to a violation of the function of the heart and the development of heart failure (Beri-Bury).
• Blood pressure regulation: Some studies show that folic acid (B9) can help reduce blood pressure. The exact mechanism of this action has not been fully studied.
• Reduced inflammation: Chronic inflammation plays a role in the development of atherosclerosis. Some B vitamins can have an anti -inflammatory effect.

IV. The influence of specific group B vitamins on the health of the heart

• Vitamin B1 (TIAMIN):

  • Role in the energy metabolism of the heart: Thiamine plays a key role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, the main source of energy for the heart muscle. It is necessary for the work of the enzyme of pyruvat dehydrogenase, which converts the pyruvate into acetyl-koa, which is necessary for the Crebs cycle (the main way of energy production in the cells).
  • Tiamin and Beri-Buri deficiency: Tiamin deficiency can lead to the development of Beri-Beri’s disease, which is characterized by heart failure, peripheral edema and neurological disorders. The heart form of Beri-Bury (wet Beri Beri) manifests itself as a cardiomegaly (an increase in the heart), tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), shortness of breath and swelling.
  • Risk groups for tiamin deficiency: The risk groups for Tiamin’s deficiency include: people who abuse alcohol, people with malliabsorption syndrome, people who are on dialysis, and people with chronic diseases.
  • Tiamine additives and heart health: Tiamine additives can be useful for people with a deficiency of thiamine and heart failure. Studies have shown that thiamine additives can improve heart function and reduce heart failure symptoms in patients with thiamine deficiency.

• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin):

  • Role in antioxidant heart protection: Riboflavin is a component of the Glutation of Reductase enzymes, which plays an important role in antioxidant protection of cells, including cells of the heart muscle. Glutation of reductase restores glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells from damage by free radicals.
  • Riboflavin and mitochondria function: Riboflavin is necessary for the functioning of mitochondria, energy stations. Mitochondria dysfunction plays a role in the development of SVD.
  • Riboflavin and a decrease in blood pressure: Some studies show that riboflavin can help reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension.
  • Riboflavin deficiency and heart health: Riboflavin deficiency can lead to oxidative stress and impaired mitochondria function, which can negatively affect the health of the heart.

• Vitamin B3 (Niacin):

  • Influence on cholesterol levels: Niacin (in the form of nicotinic acid) has a significant effect on blood cholesterol. It can reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol (LDL), increase the level of “good” cholesterol (HDL) and reduce the level of triglycerides.
  • Niacin’s action mechanism on cholesterol: Niacin reduces the level of LDL, reducing the production of LDL in the liver. It increases the level of HDL, increasing the life expectancy of HDL in the blood. It reduces the level of triglycerides, inhibiting the release of fatty acids from adipose tissue.
  • Niacin and endothelium function: Niacin can improve the function of the endothelium, the inner layer of blood vessels. It stimulates the production of nitrogen oxide (No), which helps to expand blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
  • Side effects of niacin: High doses of niacin can cause side effects, such as redness of the skin (tides), itching, nausea, vomiting and increasing blood sugar. The use of niacin should be controlled by a doctor.
  • Niacin and risk of heart disease: Clinical studies have shown that niacin can reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular events in people with a high level of cholesterol. However, new studies question the effectiveness of Niacin in the prevention of SVD in combination with statins.

• Vitamin B5 (pantotenic acid):

  • The role in metabolism: Pantotenic acid is a component of Coenzyme A (COA), which plays a key role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
  • Influence on cholesterol levels: Some studies show that pantetine, a derivative of pantothenic acid, can reduce the level of cholesterol and triglycerides. However, additional studies are needed to confirm these results.
  • Pantothenic acid deficiency: Pantothenic acid deficiency is rare, since it is contained in many foods.

• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxin):

  • The role in the metabolism of homocysteine: Pyridoxine is involved in the metabolism of homocysteine, amino acids, the high level of which is associated with the increased risk of SVD. Pyridoxine is necessary for the work of the enzyme cystageine beta-syntase, which turns homocysteine ​​into cystageine.
  • Pyridoxine and inflammation: Pyridoxine can have an anti -inflammatory effect.
  • Pyridoxin and platelet function: Pyridoxine can affect the function of platelets, blood cells involved in blood coagulation.
  • Pyridoxine deficiency and heart health: Pyridoxine deficiency can lead to an increase in homocysteine ​​levels and an increase in the risk of CVD.

• Vitamin B7 (Biotin):

  • The role in metabolism: Biotin is necessary for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
  • Biotin and cholesterol level: Some studies show that biotin can affect cholesterol, but additional studies are needed to confirm these results.
  • Biotin and heart function: The effect of biotin on the function of the heart has not been fully studied.

• Vitamin B9 (folic acid):

  • The role in the metabolism of homocysteine: Folic acid is involved in the metabolism of homocysteine, amino acids, the high level of which is associated with an increased risk of SVD. Folic acid is necessary for the work of the enzyme methylentetrahydrofolateredustase (MTHFR), which turns homocysteine ​​into methionine.
  • Folic acid and a decrease in blood pressure: Some studies show that folic acid can contribute to a decrease in blood pressure in people with hypertension.
  • Folic acid and stroke risk: Studies have shown that folic acid supplements can reduce the risk of stroke, especially in people with a high level of homocysteine.
  • Folic acid and pregnancy: Folic acid is necessary for dividing cells and DNA synthesis, especially during pregnancy. Enough consumption of folic acid during pregnancy helps to prevent defects in the nerve tube in the fetus.

• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin):

  • The role in the metabolism of homocysteine: Cobalamin is involved in the metabolism of homocysteine, amino acids, the high level of which is associated with the increased risk of SVD. Cobalamin is necessary for the work of the methylmalonil-coal of mutazes, which is involved in the transformation of homocysteine ​​into methionine.
  • Cobalamin and function of the nervous system: Cobalamin is necessary for the functioning of the nervous system. Cobalamin deficiency can lead to neurological disorders.
  • Cobalamin and the formation of red blood cells: Cobalamin is necessary for the formation of red blood cells. Cobalamin deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia.
  • Cobalamine deficiency and heart health: Cobalamine deficiency can lead to an increase in homocysteine ​​level and increase the risk of SVD.
  • Risk groups for cobalamin deficiency: Risk groups for cobalamin deficiency include: vegans, people with malabsorption syndrome, people with atrophic gastritis and people taking some drugs.

V. Sources of B vitamins

B vitamins are contained in various foods. It is recommended to receive B vitamins from a variety of diet, including:

• Whole grains: Brown rice, oats, cinema, whole grain bread.
• Meat: Beef, bird, pork.
• Fish: Salmon, tuna, scumbria.
• Eggs:
• Dairy products: Moloko, yogurt, cheese.
• Legumes: Beans, lentils, peas.
• Vegetables: Leaf greens (spinach, cabbage), broccoli, asparagus, avocado.
• Fruits: Banans, oranges.
• Nuts and seeds: Sunflower, almonds, walnuts.

VI. B vitamins adds: when they are necessary and how to accept them

In most cases, it is enough to receive group B vitamins from food. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to take B vitamins adds B:

• B vitamins deficiency: If you have a deficiency of one or more B vitamins of group B, the doctor may recommend a reception of additives.
• Certain diseases: Some diseases, such as malabsorption syndrome, atrophic gastritis and chronic kidney disease, can lead to a deficiency of B vitamins B.
• Vegetarian and vegan diet: Vegetarians and vegans can be at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, which is mainly contained in animal products.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women are recommended to take folic acid supplements to prevent defects in the nerve tube in the fetus.
• Elderly age: Older people can be at risk of deficiency of group B vitamins due to a decrease in appetite and impairment of absorption.
• Reception of some drugs: Some drugs may affect the assimilation or metabolism of B vitamins of group B.

How to take B vitamins B:

• Consult a doctor: Before you start taking B vitamins, consult your doctor to determine if you need additives and which dosage is right for you.
• Choose quality additives: Choose additives of group B vitamins from reliable manufacturers who are testing for quality and cleanliness.
• Observe the dosage: Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
• Take additives with food: B vitamins are better absorbed if you take them with food.
• Report the doctor about all the adopted additives: Tell the doctor about all the additives that you accept to avoid possible interactions with drugs.

VII. The interaction of group B vitamins with other substances and drugs

B vitamins can interact with some drugs and other substances:

• Alcohol: Alcohol abuse can worsen the absorption of vitamins of group B.
• Some drugs: Some drugs, such as metformin (for the treatment of diabetes) and proton pump inhibitors (for the treatment of heartburn), can affect the absorption of vitamin B12.
• Folic acid and some medicines for epilepsy: Folic acid can reduce the effectiveness of some medicines for epilepsy.
• Niacin and statins: Reception of niacin along with statins (drugs to reduce cholesterol) can increase the risk of side effects.

VIII. Cautions and side effects

In most cases, group B vitamins are safe if they are taken in recommended dosages. However, high doses of some vitamins of group B can cause side effects:

• Niacin (B3): High doses of niacin can cause redness of the skin (tides), itching, nausea, vomiting and increasing blood sugar.
• Pyridoxin (B6): Very high doses of pyridoxine can cause nerves damage (neuropathy).

IX. Recommendations for nutrition for heart health and B vitamins

To maintain heart health, it is recommended to adhere to the following food principles:

• A variety of diet: Use a variety of products rich in vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins B.
• Limit saturated and trans fats: Avoid products with a high content of saturated and trans fats, such as fatty meat, fried foods and fast food.
• Reduce sodium consumption: Limit the consumption of sodium (salt), as this can increase blood pressure.
• Use more fiber: Use more fiber, which is contained in whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
• Limit sugar consumption: Limit the consumption of added sugar, which is contained in sweet drinks, desserts and processed products.
• Regular physical activity: Regular physical activity helps to maintain healthy weight, reduces blood pressure and improves cholesterol.
• Refusal of smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease.
• Stress control: Stress management helps to reduce blood pressure and improve the general health.

X. Future studies of group B vitamins and heart health

Further research is needed to fully understand the role of group B vitamins in the health of the heart. Future research can be directed at:

• Determination of optimal dosages: Determination of optimal dosages of group B vitamins for the prevention and treatment of SVD.
• Study of influence on various groups of the population: The study of the influence of group B vitamins on various groups of the population, such as elderly people, people with diabetes and people with a high level of cholesterol.
• Assessment of interaction with other nutrients: Assessment of the interaction of group B vitamins with other nutrients and drugs.
• Study of molecular action mechanisms: The study of molecular mechanisms by which B vitamins affect the health of the heart.

In conclusion, B vitamins play an important role in maintaining the health of the heart. They participate in various metabolic processes that affect the level of homocysteine, endothelium function, cholesterol, energy metabolism in the heart muscle and blood pressure. To maintain heart health, it is recommended to adhere to a diverse and balanced diet, rich in group B vitamins, and consult a doctor before taking additives. Further studies are necessary for a complete understanding of the role of group B vitamins in the health of the heart and determining the optimal strategies for their use for the prevention and treatment of SVD.