For Heart Health: Is it Better to Take Individual Nutrients or a Multinutrient Formula?

Is it better for heart health to take individual vitamin and mineral products or to take a multinutrient formula?

Whether for heart health or overall health, a multinutrient formula is the most effective way to take vitamins and minerals because nutrients are better absorbed and rendered more powerful when taken in combination. This is known as the “synergistic effect.” For example, a study conducted in China involving 30,000 participants showed overall better digestive health among individuals who took a vitamin formula that combined vitamin E, beta carotene, and selenium. Those who took the nutrients separately did not appear to experience a significant increase in digestive health.

When shopping for a good multinutrient formula for heart health, there are a number of “basics” that it should include. Find out my recommendations for what a high-quality multinutrient formula should contain. Depending on your specific health needs, however, it is likely that you will still need to add a few single supplements to even the best multinutrient formula. Specifically, learn which four supplements I recommend for everyone with particular heart health concerns. And get my advice on which supplements you should add based on other health concerns.

Learn More From Dr. Sinatra

• Read more questions and answers about my Cardinal Principles of Health.
• Read more questions and answers on all topics.