I’ve previously written about the tidal wave of heart disease among American women. To my joy, I’ve found a research study with realistic promise for the fairer sex.
A Swedish study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN), found taking a daily multivitamin may reduce the risk of heart attacks in women. The study observed 31,671 Swedish women between the ages of 49-83, beginning in 1997.
Researchers observed, that in the group of women with no history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), daily multivitamin use led to a 27% lower risk of heart attack. This association was strongest in woman taking multivitamins for more than 5 years.
However, in women with a history of heart disease, there was no statistically significant benefit from taking multivitamins.
The researchers were led by Dr. Susanne Rautiainen, of the Karolinska Institute, Sweden. The study was first published online by AJCN, on September 22, 2010. A great summary of the study appears on the ihealthtube.com site link here.
The Bottom Line: This study represents a step forward, in understanding the effects of multivitamin use, in helping to prevent heart attacks in women. However, it should not minimize the importance of other risk prevention factors such as weight management, proper diet, and physical activity. Make no mistake, heart disease is a killer. Don’t let it claim you.
Have you taken your multivitamin today?
It’s your life, live well.
