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Support your heart the easy way with smart supplements that help keep things ticking along nicely, as recommended by H&B’s expert nutritionist
Our top picks
Extra vitamins A and D
Holland & Barrett
Holland & Barrett Pure Cod Liver Oil 1000mg 240 Capsules
3 for 2 Mix & Match
£22.99
Heart and circulation problems are a lot more common than most of us realise, affecting around 7.6 million people in the UK, yet many of us don’t think about our cardiovascular health until a problem arises.
The good news is that looking after your ticker doesn’t have to be complicated, and it’s something we can all work on every day with small, simple choices that really add up.
Eating well, staying active, not smoking and keeping an eye on cholesterol levels are all key to keeping your heart in good nick.1
And to support these efforts, there are also supplements, which can help fill any gaps in your diet, and may support healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure too. To help you get started, we’ve picked out the best heart-friendly supplements to shop at H&B right now (with help from nutritionist Alex Thompson).
Often associated with pregnancy, folic acid doesn’t always get the credit it deserves when it comes to heart health. But according to Alex, this humble B vitamin actually plays a major role in the process of cell division and the homocysteine metabolism – especially when taken alongside B6 and B12.7
So why take folic acid on its own rather than as part of a B complex? For some, it’s a matter of choice. “If you’re worried you’re not getting enough from your diet, a supplement like this can be a good targeted choice,” says Alex. “The richest sources of folic acid are foods like leafy greens and liver,8 which may not be regular dietary staples for a lot of people.”
Take one tablet per day, preferably with a meal.
While B12 features in many multivitamins and B complexes, sometimes a standalone supplement makes more sense, especially if you’re looking for a higher dose with smarter absorption.
“The unique selling point here is the strength and the slow-release format,” explains Alex. “You’re getting a high-strength B12, but rather than it hitting your system all at once, it’s drip-fed to your body.”
Why does that matter? “It comes down to how the body absorbs B12,” he adds. “As there’s only so much your body can take in at one time. If you take a large dose all in one go, you only absorb a small percentage9 – the rest, your body can’t really use.”
Take one tablet per day, preferably with a meal.
You might not have thought about cod liver oil since your grandmother gave it to you as a child, but according to Alex, she might have been onto something when it comes to heart health.
“Cod liver oil is packed with EPA and DHA, the omega-310 fatty acids known for their heart-supporting benefits,” he says. “They can help the normal function of the heart, brain, vision, so anything that helps keep that in check is a win.”
Cod liver oil also provides a bonus in the form of added vitamin D.11 “Vitamin D is critical for normal blood calcium levels, bones and the process of cell division,” explains Alex.
Take one capsule per day, preferably with a meal.
If you’re eating a plant-based or flexitarian diet, getting enough omega-3 can be tricky, especially when fish (aka, one of the best sources) is off the table.
“Flaxseed oil is a great option,” says Alex. “It provides a plant-derived omega-3, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which has been shown to support healthy cholesterol12 levels.”
While flaxseed oil is predominantly omega-3, it also contains some omega 6 and 9,13 including oleic acid, which is found in olive oil. ALA is known for its ability to support the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels. “If you’re looking for a convenient way to support heart health in your diet, flaxseed oil can be an easy, effective option,” he adds.
Take two capsules per day, preferably with a meal.
The final say
When it comes to heart health, supplements like B vitamins and omega-3s can be a helpful ally, but they can't replace the fundamentals of living a healthy lifestyle.
Eating a balanced diet, scheduling regular physical activity, managing stress levels and quitting smoking are all important, not just for maintaining a healthy heart, but for bolstering your overall wellbeing too.
This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. NHS. Prevention - Coronary heart disease [Internet]. NHS. 2024. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronary-heart-disease/prevention/
2. Rehman A, Syed Abdul Ahad, Akram A, Muhammad Shaheryar Azam, Muhammad Ali Muzammil, Deepak, et al. Does thiamine supplementation affect heart failure? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials. Heart & Lung. 2023 Sep 1;61:37–45.
3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. How the heart works - how blood flows through the heart | NHLBI, NIH [Internet]. www.nhlbi.nih.gov. 2022. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart/blood-flow
4. Olaso‐Gonzalez G, Inzitari M, Bellelli G, Morandi A, Barcons N, Viña J. Impact of supplementation with vitamins B 6 , B 12 , and/or folic acid on the reduction of homocysteine levels in patients with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review. IUBMB Life. 2021 May 31;74(1):74–84.
5. Stover PJ. Vitamin B12 and Older Adults. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care [Internet]. 2010 Jan;13(1):24–7. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5130103/
6. NHS. The vegan diet [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/the-vegan-diet/
7. Huang J, Khatun P, Xiong Y, Liu B, Zhao Y, Lyu Q. Intakes of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 and cardiovascular disease risk: a national population-based cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine [Internet]. 2023 Nov 14;10. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10686214/
8. NHS. B Vitamins and Folic Acid - Vitamins and Minerals [Internet]. NHS. 2020. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-b/
9. National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin B12 [Internet]. Nih.gov. National Institutes of Health; 2024. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
10. Omega-3 Supplements: What You Need To Know [Internet]. NCCIH. 2020. Available from: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/omega3-supplements-what-you-need-to-know
11. Cortese M, Riise T, Bjørnevik K, Holmøy T, Kampman MT, Magalhaes S, et al. Timing of use of cod liver oil, a vitamin D source, and multiple sclerosis risk: The EnvIMS study. Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England) [Internet]. 2015 Dec 1;21(14):1856–64. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4657387/#__ffn_sectitle
12. Nemeth M, Eisenschenk I, Engelmann A, Esser FM, Kokodynska M, Szewczak VF, et al. Flaxseed oil as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid source modulates cortisol concentrations and social dominance in male and female guinea pigs. Hormones and Behavior. 2021 Aug;134:105025.
13. Kauser S, Hussain A, Ashraf S, Fatima G, Ambreen, Javaria S, et al. Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum); phytochemistry, pharmacological characteristics and functional food applications. Food Chemistry Advances [Internet]. 2024 Jun 1;4:100573. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772753X23003945#bib0036
14. Krupa K, Fritz K, Parmar M. Omega-3 Fatty Acids [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564314/
