Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 39 Researches
7.8
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 6 Reviews
8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Soft Gels
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
10
Total Fat
1 g
1%
Saturated Fat
0 g
0%
Trans Fat
0 g
†
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
10 mcg (400 IU)
67%
Total Omega-3s♦
830 mg
†
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
205 mg
†
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
480 mg
†
Top Medical Research Studies
9
We examined the impact of calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, on heart attack recovery using a mouse model of myocardial infarction (MI). In our study, we treated mice that had suffered a MI with calcitriol and observed promising results.
Our findings revealed that calcitriol helped reverse negative effects on heart function and reduced cardiac remodeling after a heart attack. It also targeted the inflammatory response typically associated with MI, improving the survival of heart muscle cells and promoting their regeneration.
We discovered that calcitriol works by enhancing the activity of the Vitamin D receptor (VDR). This process not only interferes with inflammatory signals but also leads to positive changes at the genetic level, further supporting heart health after an MI. Overall, our study provides strong evidence of calcitriol's cardioprotective properties, making it a potential treatment avenue for better outcomes following a heart attack.
Our findings revealed that calcitriol helped reverse negative effects on heart function and reduced cardiac remodeling after a heart attack. It also targeted the inflammatory response typically associated with MI, improving the survival of heart muscle cells and promoting their regeneration.
We discovered that calcitriol works by enhancing the activity of the Vitamin D receptor (VDR). This process not only interferes with inflammatory signals but also leads to positive changes at the genetic level, further supporting heart health after an MI. Overall, our study provides strong evidence of calcitriol's cardioprotective properties, making it a potential treatment avenue for better outcomes following a heart attack.
Read More
9
We explored the impact of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VD3) on heart health, particularly after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). To investigate this, we used male C57/BL6J mice and conducted a series of experiments, comparing those treated with VD3 to control groups.
Our findings revealed that VD3 treated mice showed significant improvement in heart function following AMI. This treatment not only enhanced cardiac function parameters but also reduced inflammation and the extent of myocardial damage. There was a notable decline in inflammatory markers and a decrease in cell apoptosis, indicated by a rise in protective proteins and a fall in those that lead to cell death.
In our in vitro studies with cardiomyocytes, we observed that VD3 boosted autophagy markers, enhancing the body’s ability to manage damaged cells. It seemed to activate key pathways involved in cell survival and repair, specifically the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. However, when we inhibited this pathway with 3-methyladenine, the benefits of VD3 were reversed, indicating a direct link between autophagy promotion and the protective effects of VD3.
In summary, our research indicates that VD3 can be a valuable ally in the fight against heart damage and inflammation after a heart attack, primarily by supporting cellular repair processes.
Our findings revealed that VD3 treated mice showed significant improvement in heart function following AMI. This treatment not only enhanced cardiac function parameters but also reduced inflammation and the extent of myocardial damage. There was a notable decline in inflammatory markers and a decrease in cell apoptosis, indicated by a rise in protective proteins and a fall in those that lead to cell death.
In our in vitro studies with cardiomyocytes, we observed that VD3 boosted autophagy markers, enhancing the body’s ability to manage damaged cells. It seemed to activate key pathways involved in cell survival and repair, specifically the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. However, when we inhibited this pathway with 3-methyladenine, the benefits of VD3 were reversed, indicating a direct link between autophagy promotion and the protective effects of VD3.
In summary, our research indicates that VD3 can be a valuable ally in the fight against heart damage and inflammation after a heart attack, primarily by supporting cellular repair processes.
Read More
9
We investigated how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may help improve heart health after a heart attack. In our study, we induced myocardial infarction (MI) in male rats by ligating their coronary artery. Some of these rats received daily treatment with EPA, while others did not, allowing us to compare the effects.
Over 12 weeks, we observed that the rats treated with EPA showed better left ventricular function—essentially, their hearts were working more efficiently. Moreover, these rats had higher levels of EPA in their mitochondria, which are the energy factories of cells. Despite the damage caused by the heart attack, the EPA treatment helped maintain crucial energy levels and kept the mitochondrial function from declining, preserving a specific protein linked to cellular health.
Our findings suggest that including EPA in the diet can bolster mitochondrial quality and support heart function after an MI. This could mean that EPA may serve as an important dietary addition for promoting heart health following heart events.
Over 12 weeks, we observed that the rats treated with EPA showed better left ventricular function—essentially, their hearts were working more efficiently. Moreover, these rats had higher levels of EPA in their mitochondria, which are the energy factories of cells. Despite the damage caused by the heart attack, the EPA treatment helped maintain crucial energy levels and kept the mitochondrial function from declining, preserving a specific protein linked to cellular health.
Our findings suggest that including EPA in the diet can bolster mitochondrial quality and support heart function after an MI. This could mean that EPA may serve as an important dietary addition for promoting heart health following heart events.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Heart disease prevention
Omega-3 fatty acids are effective against cardiovascular disease, cleaning blood vessels and lowering heart attack risk. The quality is excellent, and I appreciate the natural ingredients and reasonable price. My overall health has improved significantly.
Read More
0
Side effects warning
I've taken this supplement for six weeks but experienced anxiety and heart palpitations due to my slow COMT gene. Omega-3 increases choline, exacerbating issues for those with methylation problems. I recommend caution and advise testing DNA before use.
Read More
7.5
Improved heart support
33 people found this helpful
Quality Omega 3 with vitamin D. After 1.5 months of taking it, my skin remains elastic, and my hair is shinier. Importantly, my heart rhythm has stabilised after suffering from arrhythmia. Omega-3's benefits in preventing heart attacks are well-known, improving vessel elasticity. Plus, the vitamin D aids calcium levels and immunity. Thank you, IHERB, for offering such a quality product!
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 39 Researches
7.8
- All Researches
9.5
We conducted a detailed study to uncover how vitamin D3, combined with exercise, affects recovery from heart attacks. Our research involved fifty-six male rats, some of which experienced a simulated heart attack, while others served as a control group.
The rats were then divided into several groups, receiving different treatments over eight weeks. We specifically looked at how vitamin D3 and aerobic-resistance training together impacted cardiac health, focusing on the important TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway known to contribute to heart damage.
Our findings were quite revealing. We noticed that the combinations of vitamin D3 and exercise training significantly improved heart function. Specifically, those receiving both treatments showed higher heart ejection fractions and lower levels of TGF-β1 and collagen proteins, indicating less cardiac fibrosis. In contrast, the groups that only received one treatment did not show the same level of improvement.
This suggests that while vitamin D3 on its own was not studied in isolation, its combination with exercise led to better outcomes in heart attack recovery. Overall, these results indicate a promising role for vitamin D3 alongside exercise in supporting heart health after a heart attack.
The rats were then divided into several groups, receiving different treatments over eight weeks. We specifically looked at how vitamin D3 and aerobic-resistance training together impacted cardiac health, focusing on the important TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway known to contribute to heart damage.
Our findings were quite revealing. We noticed that the combinations of vitamin D3 and exercise training significantly improved heart function. Specifically, those receiving both treatments showed higher heart ejection fractions and lower levels of TGF-β1 and collagen proteins, indicating less cardiac fibrosis. In contrast, the groups that only received one treatment did not show the same level of improvement.
This suggests that while vitamin D3 on its own was not studied in isolation, its combination with exercise led to better outcomes in heart attack recovery. Overall, these results indicate a promising role for vitamin D3 alongside exercise in supporting heart health after a heart attack.
Read More
9
We examined the impact of calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, on heart attack recovery using a mouse model of myocardial infarction (MI). In our study, we treated mice that had suffered a MI with calcitriol and observed promising results.
Our findings revealed that calcitriol helped reverse negative effects on heart function and reduced cardiac remodeling after a heart attack. It also targeted the inflammatory response typically associated with MI, improving the survival of heart muscle cells and promoting their regeneration.
We discovered that calcitriol works by enhancing the activity of the Vitamin D receptor (VDR). This process not only interferes with inflammatory signals but also leads to positive changes at the genetic level, further supporting heart health after an MI. Overall, our study provides strong evidence of calcitriol's cardioprotective properties, making it a potential treatment avenue for better outcomes following a heart attack.
Our findings revealed that calcitriol helped reverse negative effects on heart function and reduced cardiac remodeling after a heart attack. It also targeted the inflammatory response typically associated with MI, improving the survival of heart muscle cells and promoting their regeneration.
We discovered that calcitriol works by enhancing the activity of the Vitamin D receptor (VDR). This process not only interferes with inflammatory signals but also leads to positive changes at the genetic level, further supporting heart health after an MI. Overall, our study provides strong evidence of calcitriol's cardioprotective properties, making it a potential treatment avenue for better outcomes following a heart attack.
Read More
9
We explored the effects of vitamin D3 on heart injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), a common scenario during heart attacks. Using a laboratory model that mimicked this condition, we discovered that I/R treatment significantly harmed heart cells, leading to cell death and increased oxidative stress.
We observed that I/R conditions prompted an increase in mitochondrial fission and mitophagy—mechanisms that can worsen heart injury. However, when we introduced vitamin D3, it appeared to counteract these detrimental effects. Specifically, vitamin D3 decreased cell death and reduced harmful mitochondrial changes, suggesting a protective role for this vitamin.
In live mice undergoing I/R, we confirmed that vitamin D3 treatment effectively reduced not only apoptosis (cell death) but also the adverse changes in mitochondrial function and structure. Overall, our findings indicate that vitamin D3 could be an important ally in safeguarding the heart during a heart attack by maintaining the integrity of mitochondrial function.
We observed that I/R conditions prompted an increase in mitochondrial fission and mitophagy—mechanisms that can worsen heart injury. However, when we introduced vitamin D3, it appeared to counteract these detrimental effects. Specifically, vitamin D3 decreased cell death and reduced harmful mitochondrial changes, suggesting a protective role for this vitamin.
In live mice undergoing I/R, we confirmed that vitamin D3 treatment effectively reduced not only apoptosis (cell death) but also the adverse changes in mitochondrial function and structure. Overall, our findings indicate that vitamin D3 could be an important ally in safeguarding the heart during a heart attack by maintaining the integrity of mitochondrial function.
Read More
9
We explored the impact of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VD3) on heart health, particularly after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). To investigate this, we used male C57/BL6J mice and conducted a series of experiments, comparing those treated with VD3 to control groups.
Our findings revealed that VD3 treated mice showed significant improvement in heart function following AMI. This treatment not only enhanced cardiac function parameters but also reduced inflammation and the extent of myocardial damage. There was a notable decline in inflammatory markers and a decrease in cell apoptosis, indicated by a rise in protective proteins and a fall in those that lead to cell death.
In our in vitro studies with cardiomyocytes, we observed that VD3 boosted autophagy markers, enhancing the body’s ability to manage damaged cells. It seemed to activate key pathways involved in cell survival and repair, specifically the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. However, when we inhibited this pathway with 3-methyladenine, the benefits of VD3 were reversed, indicating a direct link between autophagy promotion and the protective effects of VD3.
In summary, our research indicates that VD3 can be a valuable ally in the fight against heart damage and inflammation after a heart attack, primarily by supporting cellular repair processes.
Our findings revealed that VD3 treated mice showed significant improvement in heart function following AMI. This treatment not only enhanced cardiac function parameters but also reduced inflammation and the extent of myocardial damage. There was a notable decline in inflammatory markers and a decrease in cell apoptosis, indicated by a rise in protective proteins and a fall in those that lead to cell death.
In our in vitro studies with cardiomyocytes, we observed that VD3 boosted autophagy markers, enhancing the body’s ability to manage damaged cells. It seemed to activate key pathways involved in cell survival and repair, specifically the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. However, when we inhibited this pathway with 3-methyladenine, the benefits of VD3 were reversed, indicating a direct link between autophagy promotion and the protective effects of VD3.
In summary, our research indicates that VD3 can be a valuable ally in the fight against heart damage and inflammation after a heart attack, primarily by supporting cellular repair processes.
Read More
9
We examined the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, on the risk of heart attacks through a comprehensive analysis of the VITAL trial. This significant study included nearly 26,000 older adults in the U.S. who were monitored over an average of 5.3 years.
The original trial didn't find significant results for major cardiovascular events overall, but our Bayesian analysis suggested a different insight. By incorporating previous research and evidence, we discovered that daily supplementation with EPA appears to notably lower the risk of coronary heart disease events, particularly heart attacks.
However, the same beneficial effects did not extend to strokes or overall cardiovascular death, which means while we do see an encouraging trend for heart attacks, the evidence doesn't support a broad impact on other cardiovascular-related issues. Our findings help reinforce the value of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation as a preventive measure specifically for heart attacks.
The original trial didn't find significant results for major cardiovascular events overall, but our Bayesian analysis suggested a different insight. By incorporating previous research and evidence, we discovered that daily supplementation with EPA appears to notably lower the risk of coronary heart disease events, particularly heart attacks.
However, the same beneficial effects did not extend to strokes or overall cardiovascular death, which means while we do see an encouraging trend for heart attacks, the evidence doesn't support a broad impact on other cardiovascular-related issues. Our findings help reinforce the value of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation as a preventive measure specifically for heart attacks.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 6 Reviews
8
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Heart disease prevention
Omega-3 fatty acids are effective against cardiovascular disease, cleaning blood vessels and lowering heart attack risk. The quality is excellent, and I appreciate the natural ingredients and reasonable price. My overall health has improved significantly.
Read More
0
Side effects warning
I've taken this supplement for six weeks but experienced anxiety and heart palpitations due to my slow COMT gene. Omega-3 increases choline, exacerbating issues for those with methylation problems. I recommend caution and advise testing DNA before use.
Read More
7.5
Improved heart support
33 people found this helpful
Quality Omega 3 with vitamin D. After 1.5 months of taking it, my skin remains elastic, and my hair is shinier. Importantly, my heart rhythm has stabilised after suffering from arrhythmia. Omega-3's benefits in preventing heart attacks are well-known, improving vessel elasticity. Plus, the vitamin D aids calcium levels and immunity. Thank you, IHERB, for offering such a quality product!
Read More
9
Effective heart support
4 people found this helpful
Highly recommend this pure omega, especially for pregnant or lactating women. Though the oil has a fishy smell, there’s no unpleasant aftertaste when taking it. Since using it, my skin has become less dry, showing the positive effects on my heart and overall wellbeing.
Read More
7.5
Heart rhythm improvement
1 people found this helpful
High-quality Omega 3 with vitamin D. After 1.5 months, my skin is still hydrated, and my hair is less brittle. Crucially, my arrhythmia has improved, providing stability in my heart rhythm. Omega-3 is proven to help prevent heart attacks, and vitamin D supports vital bodily functions.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
7.5
Improved heart support
33 people found this helpful
Quality Omega 3 with vitamin D. After 1.5 months of taking it, my skin remains elastic, and my hair is shinier. Importantly, my heart rhythm has stabilised after suffering from arrhythmia. Omega-3's benefits in preventing heart attacks are well-known, improving vessel elasticity. Plus, the vitamin D aids calcium levels and immunity. Thank you, IHERB, for offering such a quality product!
0
Side effects warning
I've taken this supplement for six weeks but experienced anxiety and heart palpitations due to my slow COMT gene. Omega-3 increases choline, exacerbating issues for those with methylation problems. I recommend caution and advise testing DNA before use.
6
Heartburn relief
5 people found this helpful
This supplement is beneficial for the heart and skin. After a week of taking Omega-3, my heartburn went away, and my skin felt nourished. While the effects on cardiovascular health may not be obvious without tests, I trust that this supplement is worthwhile as endorsed by professionals.
7.5
Heart rhythm improvement
1 people found this helpful
High-quality Omega 3 with vitamin D. After 1.5 months, my skin is still hydrated, and my hair is less brittle. Crucially, my arrhythmia has improved, providing stability in my heart rhythm. Omega-3 is proven to help prevent heart attacks, and vitamin D supports vital bodily functions.
4
We examined how vitamin D3 levels relate to heart attack recovery, specifically focusing on left ventricular ejection fraction in patients who recently experienced myocardial infarction (MI). In our study, 80 individuals who had undergone primary percutaneous coronary intervention for MI provided blood samples 24 hours later for measuring levels of calcidiol and calcitriol, which are forms of vitamin D.
Our findings revealed that a staggering 75% of these patients had low levels of 25-OH vitamin D3, with only 9% maintaining proper levels. Notably, those with a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 40% displayed significantly lower concentrations of both calcidiol and calcitriol. This suggests that low vitamin D3 levels may influence heart function in the early stages following a heart attack.
However, despite these observations, it remains unclear whether vitamin D3 supplementation can specifically improve heart function post-MI, as most existing studies are either limited or based on laboratory settings. Our research opens up important conversations about the significance of vitamin D3 in cardiac health, but further clinical trials are necessary to determine any definitive benefits of treatment.
Our findings revealed that a staggering 75% of these patients had low levels of 25-OH vitamin D3, with only 9% maintaining proper levels. Notably, those with a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 40% displayed significantly lower concentrations of both calcidiol and calcitriol. This suggests that low vitamin D3 levels may influence heart function in the early stages following a heart attack.
However, despite these observations, it remains unclear whether vitamin D3 supplementation can specifically improve heart function post-MI, as most existing studies are either limited or based on laboratory settings. Our research opens up important conversations about the significance of vitamin D3 in cardiac health, but further clinical trials are necessary to determine any definitive benefits of treatment.
4
We conducted a comprehensive study to explore whether vitamin D3 supplementation influences the occurrence of heart attacks among older adults. This research was carried out through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving over 21,000 participants aged between 60 and 84 years in Australia between 2014 and 2020.
Participants took either a monthly dose of 60,000 IU of vitamin D3 or a placebo for up to five years. When we looked at the main focus of our analysis—major cardiovascular events like heart attacks—we found that while vitamin D supplementation might lead to a slight reduction in these events, the absolute risk difference was small. Ultimately, the confidence intervals surrounding our findings suggested that there could be no effect at all.
Our study's results imply that while vitamin D3 might have potential benefits, its impact on heart attack prevention specifically is unclear. These insights could encourage further investigation into vitamin D supplements, especially for those currently on medications for heart disease.
Participants took either a monthly dose of 60,000 IU of vitamin D3 or a placebo for up to five years. When we looked at the main focus of our analysis—major cardiovascular events like heart attacks—we found that while vitamin D supplementation might lead to a slight reduction in these events, the absolute risk difference was small. Ultimately, the confidence intervals surrounding our findings suggested that there could be no effect at all.
Our study's results imply that while vitamin D3 might have potential benefits, its impact on heart attack prevention specifically is unclear. These insights could encourage further investigation into vitamin D supplements, especially for those currently on medications for heart disease.
7
Eicosapentaenoic acid shows uncertain benefits
We conducted a thorough evaluation of how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) affects the risk of heart attacks in patients with coronary artery disease. Our study involved a well-structured design, where patients were randomly assigned to receive either icosapent ethyl, a form of EPA, or a control treatment. The focus was on those with low levels of EPA relative to arachidonic acid (AA), specifically looking to see if this treatment provided heart health benefits.
We analyzed data from almost 4,000 patients over a median period of five years. The results showed a lower percentage of major cardiovascular events, like heart attacks, in those treated with EPA compared to the control group. However, despite the numerically favorable outcomes, the differences did not reach statistical significance—suggesting that while there may be benefits, they are not definitively proven. Additionally, the rates of adverse effects, including new-onset atrial fibrillation, were noted, emphasizing the importance of monitoring patients even with the potential benefits of EPA therapy.
Overall, while we observed some positive trends in cardiovascular outcomes with eicosapentaenoic acid treatment, the findings indicate that there is not enough evidence to conclusively affirm its efficacy in preventing heart attacks among patients already receiving statin treatment.
We analyzed data from almost 4,000 patients over a median period of five years. The results showed a lower percentage of major cardiovascular events, like heart attacks, in those treated with EPA compared to the control group. However, despite the numerically favorable outcomes, the differences did not reach statistical significance—suggesting that while there may be benefits, they are not definitively proven. Additionally, the rates of adverse effects, including new-onset atrial fibrillation, were noted, emphasizing the importance of monitoring patients even with the potential benefits of EPA therapy.
Overall, while we observed some positive trends in cardiovascular outcomes with eicosapentaenoic acid treatment, the findings indicate that there is not enough evidence to conclusively affirm its efficacy in preventing heart attacks among patients already receiving statin treatment.
9
Significant heart attack risk reduction
In this extensive study involving nearly 5,800 patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and high triglyceride levels, we explored the effectiveness of icosapent ethyl, a form of eicosapentaenoic acid, in reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) like heart attacks.
Patients were randomly assigned to receive either icosapent ethyl or a placebo, with their health monitored over a median follow-up of nearly five years. The results were promising: we noticed a significant reduction in MACE in the group receiving icosapent ethyl compared to those on placebo.
Specifically, there were 361 instances of MACE in the icosapent ethyl group versus 489 in the placebo group. This translates to a 28% lower risk of events like heart attacks or strokes for those taking icosapent ethyl. Furthermore, we observed that the absolute benefits were greatest for patients with higher baseline cardiovascular risk.
Overall, regardless of their initial risk levels, using icosapent ethyl showed an impressive potential to decrease the risk of major cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks. This study underscores the value of incorporating eicosapentaenoic acid into treatment plans for patients at risk of heart disease.
Patients were randomly assigned to receive either icosapent ethyl or a placebo, with their health monitored over a median follow-up of nearly five years. The results were promising: we noticed a significant reduction in MACE in the group receiving icosapent ethyl compared to those on placebo.
Specifically, there were 361 instances of MACE in the icosapent ethyl group versus 489 in the placebo group. This translates to a 28% lower risk of events like heart attacks or strokes for those taking icosapent ethyl. Furthermore, we observed that the absolute benefits were greatest for patients with higher baseline cardiovascular risk.
Overall, regardless of their initial risk levels, using icosapent ethyl showed an impressive potential to decrease the risk of major cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks. This study underscores the value of incorporating eicosapentaenoic acid into treatment plans for patients at risk of heart disease.
4
We reviewed a significant study known as the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) that investigated the effects of marine omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3 on heart attack risk. In this trial, 25,871 adults aged 50 and older were randomly assigned to receive either a daily dose of omega-3s (1 g/day) and vitamin D3 (2000 IU/day) or a placebo for about 5.3 years.
While we initially hoped to see a substantial reduction in major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease-related deaths, the results were not as promising as we had anticipated. The supplement did not significantly lower the overall risk of these major events. However, it did show a notable reduction in total heart attacks and other related occurrences, like fatal heart attacks and hospital readmissions for heart failure.
It's also interesting to note that African American participants experienced greater benefits when using these supplements for heart attack prevention. Despite the positive outcomes regarding certain heart events, the overall findings suggested that vitamin D3, when combined with omega-3s, may not provide substantial benefits across the board for preventing heart attacks specifically.
While we initially hoped to see a substantial reduction in major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease-related deaths, the results were not as promising as we had anticipated. The supplement did not significantly lower the overall risk of these major events. However, it did show a notable reduction in total heart attacks and other related occurrences, like fatal heart attacks and hospital readmissions for heart failure.
It's also interesting to note that African American participants experienced greater benefits when using these supplements for heart attack prevention. Despite the positive outcomes regarding certain heart events, the overall findings suggested that vitamin D3, when combined with omega-3s, may not provide substantial benefits across the board for preventing heart attacks specifically.
9
We explored the effects of vitamin D3 on heart injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), a common scenario during heart attacks. Using a laboratory model that mimicked this condition, we discovered that I/R treatment significantly harmed heart cells, leading to cell death and increased oxidative stress.
We observed that I/R conditions prompted an increase in mitochondrial fission and mitophagy—mechanisms that can worsen heart injury. However, when we introduced vitamin D3, it appeared to counteract these detrimental effects. Specifically, vitamin D3 decreased cell death and reduced harmful mitochondrial changes, suggesting a protective role for this vitamin.
In live mice undergoing I/R, we confirmed that vitamin D3 treatment effectively reduced not only apoptosis (cell death) but also the adverse changes in mitochondrial function and structure. Overall, our findings indicate that vitamin D3 could be an important ally in safeguarding the heart during a heart attack by maintaining the integrity of mitochondrial function.
We observed that I/R conditions prompted an increase in mitochondrial fission and mitophagy—mechanisms that can worsen heart injury. However, when we introduced vitamin D3, it appeared to counteract these detrimental effects. Specifically, vitamin D3 decreased cell death and reduced harmful mitochondrial changes, suggesting a protective role for this vitamin.
In live mice undergoing I/R, we confirmed that vitamin D3 treatment effectively reduced not only apoptosis (cell death) but also the adverse changes in mitochondrial function and structure. Overall, our findings indicate that vitamin D3 could be an important ally in safeguarding the heart during a heart attack by maintaining the integrity of mitochondrial function.
References
- Olędzki S, Siennicka A, Maciejewska-Markiewicz D, Stachowska E, Jakubiak N, et al. Calcitriol Concentration in the Early Phase of Myocardial Infarction and Its Relation to Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction. Metabolites. 2024;14. 10.3390/metabo14120686
- Ogata S, Manson JE, Kang JH, Buring JE, Lee IM, et al. Marine n-3 Fatty Acids and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: A Novel Analysis of the VITAL Trial Using Win Ratio and Hierarchical Composite Outcomes. Nutrients. 2023;15. 10.3390/nu15194235
- Thompson B, Waterhouse M, English DR, McLeod DS, Armstrong BK, et al. Vitamin D supplementation and major cardiovascular events: D-Health randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2023;381:e075230. 10.1136/bmj-2023-075230
- Bassuk SS, Manson JE. Marine omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and prevention of cardiovascular disease: update on the randomized trial evidence. Cardiovasc Res. 2023;119:1297. 10.1093/cvr/cvac172
- Uguz B, Oztas S, Zengin I, Topal D, Tiryakioglu SK, et al. Relationship between vitamin D deficiency and thrombus load in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2022;26:7015. 10.26355/eurrev_202210_29885
- Yang S, Wang C, Ruan C, Chen M, Cao R, et al. Novel Insights into the Cardioprotective Effects of Calcitriol in Myocardial Infarction. Cells. 2022;11. 10.3390/cells11101676
- Şen Ö, Şen SB, Topuz AN, Topuz M. Vitamin D level predicts angiographic no-reflow phenomenon after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. Biomark Med. 2021;15:1357. 10.2217/bmm-2020-0689
- Mehdipoor M, Damirchi A, Razavi Tousi SMT, Babaei P. Concurrent vitamin D supplementation and exercise training improve cardiac fibrosis via TGF-β/Smad signaling in myocardial infarction model of rats. J Physiol Biochem. 2021;77:75. 10.1007/s13105-020-00778-6
- Lee TL, Lee MH, Chen YC, Lee YC, Lai TC, et al. Vitamin D Attenuates Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Cardiac Injury by Reducing Mitochondrial Fission and Mitophagy. Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:604700. 10.3389/fphar.2020.604700
- Wei YX, Dong SM, Wang YY, Zhang P, Sun MY, et al. Autophagy participates in the protection role of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in acute myocardial infarction via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Cell Biol Int. 2021;45:394. 10.1002/cbin.11495
- Akkuş O, Topuz M, Öz F, Harbalıoğlu H, Koca H, et al. Impact of 25(OH)D3 on spontaneous reperfusion and SYNTAX score in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars. 2018;46:268. 10.5543/tkda.2018.49393
- Le TYL, Ogawa M, Kizana E, Gunton JE, Chong JJH. Vitamin D Improves Cardiac Function After Myocardial Infarction Through Modulation of Resident Cardiac Progenitor Cells. Heart Lung Circ. 2018;27:967. 10.1016/j.hlc.2018.01.006
- Şen Ö, Topuz M, Acele A, Akkuş O, Baykan AO, et al. The influence of plasma 25-(OH) vitamin D levels in acute ST elevation myocardial infarction. Cardiol J. 2017;24:677. 10.5603/CJ.a2017.0066
- Hamaya R, Cook NR, Sesso HD, Buring JE, Manson JE. A Bayesian Analysis of the VITAL Trial: Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Cardiovascular Events. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025. 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.02.028
- Aggarwal R, Bhatt DL, Steg PG, Miller M, Brinton EA, et al. Cardiovascular Outcomes With Icosapent Ethyl by Baseline Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: A Secondary Analysis of the REDUCE-IT Randomized Trial. J Am Heart Assoc. 2025;14:e038656. 10.1161/JAHA.124.038656
- Yamada R, Uematsu M, Nakamura T, Kobayashi T, Horikoshi T, et al. Elevated eicosapentaenoic acid to arachidonic acid ratio and rapid coronary blood flow restoration in ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Hellenic J Cardiol. 2025. 10.1016/j.hjc.2025.01.003
- Puccini SJ, Healy CL, Harsch BA, Ahmed AR, Shearer GC, et al. A Cell Autonomous Free fatty acid receptor 4 - ChemR23 Signaling Cascade Protects Cardiac Myocytes from Ischemic Injury. bioRxiv. 2025. 10.1101/2024.11.26.625260
- Miyauchi K, Iwata H, Nishizaki Y, Inoue T, Hirayama A, et al. Randomized Trial for Evaluation in Secondary Prevention Efficacy of Combination Therapy-Statin and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (RESPECT-EPA). Circulation. 2024;150:425. 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.065520
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