From the 16th-19th June 2010 the World Congress of Cardiology Scientific Sessions were held in Neijing, China . New data presented there (1) and released to the press via the World Heart Federation has demonstrated that multiple micronutrient levels can predict the risk of cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke).
“The World Congress of Cardiology Scientific Sessions is the official congress of the World Heart Federation and is held every two years. Through the Congress the World Heart Federation offers an international stage for the latest developments in science and public outreach in the field of cardiovascular health. The World Congress of Cardiology places emphasis on the complementary nature of science and public outreach and strives to spread the message that through individual, community and patient-care interventions, the growing epidemic of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented”(1).
The data (1) showed that reduced multiple micronutrient, vitamin and mineral, intakes were associated with a 1.4 times higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in White Americans, 1.3 times higher risk in African Americans and 1.6 times higher risk in Mexican Americans. The study involved over 9, 400 participants aged 45 and older. Dr. Longjian Liu, MD, PhD, FAHA, Associate Professor of Epidemiology, Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, USA said: “This study is the first to demonstrate that multiple micronutrients have significant predicting effects on the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality among White Americans and minority populations,”, he went on to add that “These data suggest that people should ensure that they are maintaining healthy micronutrient levels to help reduce their future risk of CVD.” (1)
Vitamins and minerals (micronutrients) are vital for health and are involved in the efficient functioning of all body processes, including heart function. Inflammation plays a major role in cardiovascular diseases and it seems that a good micronutrient status is important in keeping inflammation in the body low, probably by reducing oxidative stress in the body. Eating a wide variety of vegetables, fruits and wholegrains daily is important since they contain a huge array of vitamins, minerals and bioflavonoids (bioactive plant chemicals). Many of the vitamins and bioflavonoids found in these foods act as antioxidants in the body and this may be one way that that prevent disease. Antioxidants protect the body from attack by destructive molecules known as ‘free radicals’, they protect against ‘oxidative stress’ in the body. It has been noted in previous studies (e.g. 2) “Healthy subjects of any age with a high daily intake of fruits and vegetables have higher antioxidant levels, lower levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress, and better cognitive performance than healthy subjects of any age consuming low amounts of fruits and vegetables. Modification of nutritional habits aimed at increasing intake of fruits and vegetables should be encouraged to lower prevalence of cognitive impairment in later life” (2).
Eating a healthful, balanced diet is important for the prevention of many conditions. Providing the body with good, nutrient rich, food will help to ensure that all the nutrients needed for its efficient functioning are present. Supplements can never be seen as an alternative to healthy eating but if you feel that your diet consistently falls short of nutrients you might wish to consider taking a high quality, low dose multivitamin and mineral supplement. It is always best to check with a medical doctor prior to starting any supplementation regimen.
About the World Heart Federation:
“The World Heart Federation is dedicated to leading the global fight against heart disease and stroke with a focus on low- and middle-income countries via a united community of more than 200 member organizations. With its members, the World Heart Federation works to build global commitment to addressing cardiovascular health at the policy level, generates and exchanges ideas, shares best practice, advances scientific knowledge and promotes knowledge transfer to tackle cardiovascular disease – the world’s number one killer. It is a growing membership organization that brings together the strength of medical societies and heart foundations from more than 100 countries. Through our collective efforts we can help people all over the world to lead longer and better heart-healthy lives. For more information, please visit www.worldheart.org”(1)
(1)Press release. LOW VITAMIN AND MINERAL LEVELS INCREASE RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE. 18.06.2010. 08:30. http://www.world-heart-federation.org/press/press-releases/detail/article/low-vitamin-and-mineral-levels-increase-risk-of-cardiovascular-disease/
(2) Polidori MC et al. 2009. High fruit and vegetable intake is positively correlated with antioxidant status and cognitive performance in healthy subjects. J Alzheimers Dis. 17:4
Written by Ani Kowal
Related posts:
- Staying physically active may improve health and survival in individuals with coronary heart disease
- A diet high in B vitamins might be linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke
- Eating food rich in vitamins and minerals may impact perceived hunger levels
- Teenagers who have high sugar consumption may be increasing their risk of heart disease
- New study finds that treating Vitamin D deficiency may reduce the risk of heart disease
