People following vegan diets may need fortified foods or supplements to obtain adequate B12. Older adults and people with absorption problems may also require assessment and treatment.

Correcting a deficiency is important for health, but B12 supplements have not been shown to unclog arteries or consistently prevent cardiovascular events in people who already have adequate levels.

5. Vitamin C: Supporting Blood Vessel Structure

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage and supports collagen production. Collagen is an important structural protein that helps maintain the integrity of blood vessels, skin, and other tissues.

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is associated with better overall cardiovascular health. However, this does not establish that high-dose vitamin C supplements independently prevent heart attacks or remove plaque from artery walls.

Food sources: Oranges, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli, and other fruits and vegetables.

For most adults, a balanced diet provides sufficient vitamin C. Supplements may be useful when dietary intake is inadequate, but taking more than the body needs is unlikely to provide extra cardiovascular protection.

6. Vitamin D: What It Means for Heart Health

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and supports bone health, muscle function, and immune regulation. Researchers have also investigated possible connections between vitamin D levels, blood pressure, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease.

Although low vitamin D levels have been associated with certain health risks, an association does not prove that taking supplements will prevent those outcomes. Large clinical trials have not established that routine vitamin D supplementation prevents heart attacks or removes existing arterial blockages in adults who are not deficient.

Sources: Fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified milk and plant-based alternatives, and vitamin D supplements.

People with a confirmed deficiency may benefit from supplementation. The appropriate dose depends on individual circumstances, and excessive vitamin D intake can cause dangerously high calcium levels and kidney complications.