An international study identified five key micronutrients that could become an effective treatment for heart failure.
Boosting your intake of coenzyme Q10, zinc, copper, selenium and iron could have a positive impact in the function of cardiac cells, potentially improving the health outcomes of patients with heart failure, a new study found.
The new review study, published last week in the Journal of Internal Medicine, found evidence from previous studies that supplementation with these micronutrients may be able to improve mitochondrial function in cardiac cells and potentially serve as a therapeutic strategy for patients suffering from heart failure.
According to Nils Bomer, a PhD student from the University Medical Center Groningen who co-led the study, their findings aim to change our views on a failing heart.
“Micronutrient deficiency has a high impact on mitochondrial energy production and should be considered an additional factor in the heart failure equation, moving our view of the failing heart away from “an engine out of fuel” to “a defective engine on a path to self-destruction,” Mr Bomer said.
About the findings
As a GP, you are aware of the importance of nutrition in preventative cardiovascular medicine. But, you probably know that aside from low cholesterol and low-salt regiments, patients with cardiovascular disease are usually not encouraged to follow a specific diet. Nutrition supplements are rarely prescribed for this patient population.
Now, in this new review study, researchers from Groningen University in the Netherlands, show convincing evidence that certain micronutrients are worth considering as treatment in patients with heart failure.
The study focused on current evidence linking the micronutrients coenzyme Q10, zinc, copper, selenium, and iron to heart failure, particularly within the context of poor cardiac performance and mitochondrial dysfunction.
The study found that, about 50% of patients with heart failure are deficient in one or more of these micronutrients. According to the authors of the study, having sub-optimal levels for these micronutrients has a high impact on mitochondrial energy production, and should be considered when looking at heart failure.
A key implication of this new study is that micronutrient supplementation should be considered as a potential treatment for heart failure patients.
According to Dr Joe Kosterich, Perth based GP and Clinical Editor Medical Forum, this new study has potentially important implications for GPs. “This study should cause doctors to question their tendency to dismiss good nutrition and or supplements as lacking evidence,” Dr Kosterich said.