The importance of vitamins for the cardiovascular system

Vitamins and cardiovascular system: complex look

Cardiovascular diseases (SVD) remain one of the leading causes of mortality around the world. In this regard, the understanding of risk factors and the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies are of paramount importance. Along with generally accepted recommendations on lifestyle, such as proper nutrition, regular physical exercises and rejection of smoking, the role of vitamins in maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system increases. This article is devoted to a comprehensive consideration of the influence of various vitamins on various aspects of the functioning of the cardiovascular system, including endothelial function, blood pressure, cholesterol, inflammation and oxidative stress.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): powerful antioxidant and endothelial tread

Vitamin C, well known for its antioxidant effect, plays an important role in protecting the cardiovascular system from damage caused by free radicals. The oxidative stress arising from the imbalance between the development and neutralization of free radicals is a key factor in the development and progression of the SVD. Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative damage to lipids, proteins and DNA in the cells of the cardiovascular system.

• Endothelial function: Endothelium, a single layer of cells lining the inner surface of the blood vessels, plays a decisive role in the regulation of vascular tone, blood coagulation and inflammation. Endothelium dysfunction is an early event in the development of atherosclerosis. Vitamin C contributes to the health of the endothelium, increasing the bioavailability of nitrogen oxide (NO), a powerful vasodilator produced by endothelial cells. No relaxes the smooth muscles of the blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. In addition, vitamin C protects NO from inactivation with free radicals, thereby extending its vasodilating effect. Clinical studies have shown that vitamin C intake improves endothelial function in people with an increased risk of CVD, such as smokers, patients with hypertension and diabetes.
• Cholesterol level: Vitamin C can affect cholesterol, reducing oxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDL). Oxidized LDLs are more prone to capture by macrophages, which leads to the formation of foamy cells, a key event in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Vitamin C prevents the oxidation of LDL, thereby reducing the accumulation of cholesterol in the walls of arteries. Some studies also showed that vitamin C can increase the level of high density lipoproteins (HDLs), “good” cholesterol, which helps to remove cholesterol from arteries.
• Arterial pressure: Clinical studies meta-analyzes showed that vitamin C intake can slightly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, especially in people with hypertension. The mechanisms underlying this effect include an improvement in endothelial function, a decrease in oxidative stress and an increase in bioavailability NO.
• Inflammation: Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect the cardiovascular system. It inhibits the activation of the inflammatory tracks, such as the Kappepa nuclear factor B (NF-κB), and reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the Alpha tumor necrosis factor (TNF -α). Chronic inflammation plays an important role in the development and progression of the SVD, therefore, the anti -inflammatory effect of vitamin C may be useful.

Vitamin D: promising factor in the prevention of SSZ

Vitamin D, fat-soluble vitamin, mainly known for its role in bone health, is increasingly recognized as an important factor in the health of the cardiovascular system. The deficiency of vitamin D is common all over the world and is associated with an increased risk of CVD, including hypertension, coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke.

• Arterial pressure: Vitamin D plays a role in the regulation of blood pressure. It suppresses the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS), a hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. Excessive RAAS activation can lead to hypertension. Vitamin D also promotes the production of NO endothelial cells, improving vasodilator and reducing blood pressure. Numerous observation studies have revealed a relationship between a low level of vitamin D and an increased risk of hypertension. Clinical trials that assess the effect of vitamin D additives on blood pressure gave mixed results, but some studies showed a significant decrease in blood pressure, especially in people with vitamin D.
• Endothelial function: Vitamin D contributes to the health of the endothelium, improving the endothelial function and reducing oxidative stress. It increases the production of NO endothelial cells and protects the endothelium from damage caused by free radicals. Studies in vitro and in vivo have shown that vitamin D can improve endothelial function in people with a high risk of CVD.
• Inflammation: Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect the cardiovascular system. It inhibits the activation of inflammatory pathways and reduces the production of pro -inflammatory cytokines. Vitamin D can also increase the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as Interleukin-10 (IL-10). Chronic inflammation plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis, therefore, the anti -inflammatory effect of vitamin D can be useful.
• Cholesterol level: Vitamin D can affect cholesterol, reducing the level of LDL and increasing the level of HDL. Some studies have shown that vitamin D intake can improve a lipid profile, especially in people with vitamin D.
• Calcification of coronary arteries: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of coronary arterial calcification, a process in which calcium is deposited in the walls of the arteries, narrowing them and increasing the risk of a heart attack and stroke. Vitamin D helps regulate the level of calcium in the body and can prevent calcium deposition in arteries.

Vitamin E: Lipid oxidation protection

Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble antioxidants, the most common form of which is alpha-tocopherol. It plays an important role in protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage, especially lipids, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PNS). Oxidation of PNZHK can lead to the formation of harmful compounds that contribute to the development of SVD.

• LDL oxidation: Vitamin E is the main antioxidant in LDL and protects them from oxidation. As mentioned earlier, the oxidized LDLs play a key role in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Vitamin E prevents the oxidation of LDL, thereby reducing the accumulation of cholesterol in the walls of arteries.
• Endothelial function: Vitamin E contributes to the health of the endothelium, protecting endothelial cells from oxidative damage. It improves the production of NO endothelial cells and reduces the production of endothelina-1, vasoconstrictor. Studies have shown that vitamin E can improve the endothelial function in people with an increased risk of CVD.
• Platelet aggregation: Vitamin E can inhibit platelet aggregation, a process in which platelets stick together, forming blood clot. Excessive platelet aggregation can lead to thrombosis, which can block blood vessels and cause a heart attack and stroke. Vitamin E reduces the production of thromboxan A2, substances that contributes to platelet aggregation.
• Inflammation: Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect the cardiovascular system. It inhibits the activation of inflammatory pathways and reduces the production of pro -inflammatory cytokines.

B vitamins B: Key players in homocysteine metabolism

Vitamins of group B, especially vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and folic acid, play an important role in homocysteine metabolism, amino acids, which, with an increased level in the blood, is associated with an increased risk of SSZ.

• Homocysteine metabolism: Vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid are involved in the metabolic tracks that turn homocysteine back into methionine or cysteine. The deficiency of these vitamins can lead to the accumulation of homocysteine in the blood, a state known as hypergomocysteinemia.
• Hypergomocysteinemia and SSZ: Hypergomocysteinemia is associated with an increased risk of CVD, including atherosclerosis, thrombosis and hypertension. Homocysteine can damage endothelial cells, promote LDL oxidation and enhance platelet aggregation.
• Group B vitamins additives: Clinical studies have shown that taking vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid can reduce the level of homocysteine in the blood. However, not all studies have shown that a decrease in homocysteine levels leads to a decrease in the risk of CVD. Some studies have shown that taking B vitamins can reduce the risk of stroke, but other studies have not revealed a significant effect. Additional studies are needed to fully understand the role of the additives of group B vitamins in the prevention of the CVD.

Vitamin K: more than just coagulation

Vitamin K, known for its role in blood coagulation, is increasingly recognized as an important factor in the health of the cardiovascular system. Vitamin K exists in two main forms: vitamin K1 (phyllokhinon) contained in green leafy vegetables, and vitamin K2 (menachinon) contained in enzyme products and animal products.

• Calcification of arteries: Vitamin K2 plays a role in preventing the calcification of arteries, a process in which calcium is deposited in the walls of the arteries, narrowing them and increasing the risk of a heart attack and stroke. Vitamin K2 activates the matrix GLAL (MGP), a protein that inhibits the deposition of calcium in the arteries. An insufficient amount of vitamin K2 can lead to inactivation of MGP and increased calcification of arteries.
• Health of bones and SSZ: Interestingly, vitamin K2 is also important for bone health. It contributes to the absorption of calcium in the bones and prevents its deposition in soft tissues, such as arteries. Violation of bones health, such as osteoporosis, is associated with the increased risk of SVD.
• Clinical research: Observation studies have shown that higher consumption of vitamin K2 is associated with a decrease in the risk of calcification of the coronary arteries and CVD. Clinical trials that assess the effect of vitamin K2 additives on the health of the cardiovascular system have given promising results, but additional studies are needed to confirm these conclusions.

Recommendations for taking vitamins for the health of the cardiovascular system

Although vitamins play an important role in maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system, it is important to get them from a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grain products. Vitamin additives should be used with caution and under the guidance of a doctor, since excessive use of certain vitamins can have side effects.

• Vitamin C: The recommended daily dose (RSD) of vitamin C is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. Smokers need more vitamin C than non -smokers.
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D RSD is 600 IU (international units) for adults under the age of 70 years and 800 IU for adults aged 70 years and older. Many people need more vitamin D, especially those who are little in the sun or have dark skin. A blood test can determine the level of vitamin D and help determine the corresponding dose.
• Vitamin E: Vitamin E RSD is 15 mg.
• B vitamins B: RSD of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid varies depending on the age and state of health. It is important to get a sufficient amount of these vitamins from a balanced diet or, if necessary, take supplements under the guidance of a doctor.
• Vitamin K: Vitamin K RSD varies depending on age and gender. It is important to get a sufficient amount of vitamin K from a balanced diet or, if necessary, take additives under the guidance of a doctor.

Interaction of vitamins with drugs

It is important to note that vitamins can interact with certain drugs. For example, vitamin K can interact with anticoagulants such as warfarin. It is important to inform your doctor about all the additives of the vitamins that you take to avoid potential interactions with drugs.

Research prospects

Additional studies are needed to fully understand the role of vitamins in the health of the cardiovascular system. Future research should be focused on:

• Determination of the optimal dose of vitamins for the prevention and treatment of SVD.
• Studying the influence of vitamins combinations on the health of the cardiovascular system.
• The definition of people who are likely to benefit from taking vitamins for the health of the cardiovascular system.
• The study of the mechanisms by which vitamins affect the cardiovascular system.

Conclusion

Vitamins play an important role in maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the endothelium and reduces cholesterol. Vitamin D regulates blood pressure and reduces inflammation. Vitamin E protects lipids from oxidation. B vitamins are involved in homocysteine metabolism. Vitamin K prevents the calcification of arteries. It is important to receive these vitamins from a balanced diet or, if necessary, take additives under the guidance of a doctor. Additional studies are needed to fully understand the role of vitamins in the health of the cardiovascular system.