Heart Failure
Supplements studied for heart failure.
Overview
Heart failure has one of the larger supplement datasets here (12 supplements, 48 studies). Iron, Fish Oil, Taurine, and Vitamin D each carry medium effect-size and medium evidence ratings (WA 72). IV iron may improve symptoms and exercise capacity in patients with low iron; oral iron appears less consistent. Fish oil may improve pumping function and reduce hospitalizations in existing heart failure. Taurine at 2–6 g daily may improve function and symptoms over weeks. Vitamin D may relate to prevention in some groups but does not appear to help established heart failure.
L-Citrulline (WA 44; low effect size, low evidence, medium trust) has limited low-rated evidence suggesting possible hemodynamic improvements in small trials. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below for full comparisons.
Effect graph
Relevant supplements
Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Taurine | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Iron | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Fish Oil | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| American Ginseng | ★★★★★ | Low |
| L-Citrulline | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Berberine | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Aloe | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Nicotinamide Riboside | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Astaxanthin | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Saccharomyces boulardii | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
Studies
Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.
12 supplements for , and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
Vitamin DView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Low vitamin D levels are linked to a higher chance of developing heart failure.
- Taking vitamin D supplements may lower the risk of heart failure by about 21% in older adults, especially in those at low risk.
- In postmenopausal women at low risk, vitamin D plus calcium reduced heart failure risk by 37%.
- However, for people who already have heart failure, vitamin D does not improve symptoms, physical function, or survival.
- This means vitamin D might help prevent heart failure but does not work as a treatment once the condition develops.
Browse 6 studies·1 meta-analysis
RCTRisk of heart failure among postmenopausal women: a secondary analysis of the randomized trial of vitamin D plus calcium of the women's health initiative2015n=35,983
A secondary analysis of 35,983 Women's Health Initiative participants found calcium plus 400 IU/day vitamin D did not reduce overall heart failure risk but lowered it 37% in women without HF precursors.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 400 IU/day
- Population
- Postmenopausal women
- Participants
- 35,983
- Ages
- 50–79
MetaCardiovascular disease and vitamin D supplementation: trial analysis, systematic review, and meta-analysis2014n=13
Analysis of RECORD and meta-analysis of 21 RCTs (13,033 adults) found vitamin D may protect against cardiac failure but not myocardial infarction or stroke.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 800 IU/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 13
- Ages
- 18+
RCTThe effect of vitamin d on aldosterone and health status in patients with heart failure2014n=33
In a 6-month RCT of 64 heart failure patients with low vitamin D, 50,000 IU/week vitamin D3 lowered aldosterone versus placebo but did not change renin, echocardiography, or health status.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 50000 IU/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 33
- Avg age
- 66±10
RCTA randomized controlled trial of high dose vitamin D3 in patients with heart failure2013
A 6-month RCT of 64 heart failure patients found 50,000 IU/week vitamin D3 raised 25(OH)D but did not improve peak VO2, 6-minute walk, or muscle strength versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 50000 IU/day
- Population
- Women
- Avg age
- ~66
ObservationalVitamin D deficiency and risk of cardiovascular disease2008
In 1,739 Framingham participants without prior cardiovascular disease, low serum 25(OH)D below 15 ng/mL was associated with higher incident cardiovascular disease, especially in hypertensive adults.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Avg age
- ~59
RCTVitamin D supplementation improves cytokine profiles in patients with congestive heart failure: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial2006
In a 9-month RCT of 123 congestive heart failure patients, 50 mcg/day vitamin D3 lowered TNF-α and raised interleukin-10 versus placebo, though survival did not differ over 15 months.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 9 months
- Dose
- 50 mcg/day
- Population
- Heart failure patients
Fish OilView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Eating fish regularly (1 to 2 servings per week, not fried) is linked to a 15% lower chance of developing heart failure.
- It is unclear if fish oil supplements help prevent heart failure in people without the condition.
- For those with heart failure, taking fish oil supplements (about 600 mg to over 4 grams daily) can improve heart pumping ability and reduce repeated hospital stays.
- A major study found that taking 1 gram of fish oil daily for almost 4 years lowered the risk of dying from any cause, dying from heart disease, and needing hospital care for heart failure.
- About 56 people need to take fish oil for nearly 4 years to prevent one death.
- Heart health experts say it is reasonable for people with heart failure to take 1 gram of fish oil daily.
Browse 7 studies·3 meta-analyses
ObservationalRegular use of fish oil supplements and course of cardiovascular diseases: prospective cohort study2024n=415,737
A prospective cohort study of 415,737 participants (13,367 with incident atrial fibrillation; 22,636 with major adverse cardiovascular events) enrolled in the UK Biobank study found that in participants with cardiovascular disease, regular use of fish oil supplements reduced the likelihood of cardiovascular mortality, and transition from atrial fibrillation to either myocardial infarction or major adverse cardiovascular events. In healthy people regularly taking fish oil, there was an increased likelihood of transition from healthy status to atrial fibrillation or to stroke. [10642]
- Population
- Healthy adults
- Participants
- 415,737
- Ages
- 40–69
MetaOmega-3 supplementation and heart failure: A meta-analysis of 12 trials including 81,364 participants2021n=81,364
A meta-analysis of 12 trials finding that omega-3 supplementation modestly reduces major heart failure outcomes and mortality risk in large populations. A meta-analysis of 12 studies (961-6000 mg per day omega-3; median study duration 1.5 years) including 81,364 participants found that omega-3 supplementation did not significantly reduce first heart failure hospitalisation (977 hospitalised in omega-3, and 1011 hospitalised in placebo; pooled RR 0.96 (95% CI 0.88–1.05), P = 0.39; I2 = 35%) or cardiovascular mortality (948 cases in omega-3 and 990 in placebo; RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.86–1.01, P = 0.07; I2 = 44%). Despite high heterogeneity, recurrent heart failure hospitalisation risk was 9% lower in patients receiving omega-3 (1330 cases in omega-3 and 1432 in placebo; RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.85–0.98, P = 0.02; I2 = 71%). [10643]
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 6000 mg/day
- Population
- Heart failure patients
- Participants
- 81,364
ObservationalSeafood Long-Chain n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association2018
A scientific advisory from the American Heart Association suggests that 1-2 seafood meals per week is recommended to reduce the risk of congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, and sudden cardiac death, especially when consumed in the replacement of unhealthier options. [10644]
ObservationalOmega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (Fish Oil) Supplementation and the Prevention of Clinical Cardiovascular Disease: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association2017
An AHA science advisory reviewed RCT evidence on fish oil for cardiovascular disease prevention, recommending omega-3 supplementation for secondary prevention in certain high-risk groups while noting limited primary-prevention data.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Diabetic patients
MetaEffects of fish oil supplementation on cardiac function in chronic heart failure: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials2012n=825
A meta-analysis of 7 CHF trials (825 patients) found fish oil increased left ventricular ejection fraction by 2.25% (p=0.005) and reduced end-systolic volume versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Heart failure patients
- Participants
- 825
MetaFish consumption, omega-3 fatty acids and risk of heart failure: a meta-analysis2012n=176,441
A meta-analysis of 7 studies including 176,441 subjects and 5480 incident cases of heart failure found that both dietary fish consumption (-15%) and fish oil supplementation (-14%) are associated with the reduced likelihood of heart failure. Fish consumption (I2 = 8%) may have more reliable benefits when compared to supplementation (I2 = 44%). For fish consumption, each 15 g/day higher consumption of fish was associated with a 5% lower risk of heart failure [RR: 0.95 (95% CI: 0.93–0.98)]. For fish oil, each 125 mg/day increase in omega-3 fatty acids (around 100 grams of fatty fish per week) was associated with a 3% lower risk of heart failure [RR: 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94–0.99)]. [10645]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 15 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 176,441
RCTEffect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with chronic heart failure (the GISSI-HF trial): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial2008n=3,494
A study of 6975 patients with chronic heart failure of NYHA class II-IV found a significant reduction in all-cause mortality (-9%), cardiovascular mortality and hospital admissions from 1 g/day omega-3 supplementation for a median for 3.9 years (IQR 3.0-4.5). Approximately 56 patients would need to be treated for a median of 3.9 years to avoid one death. Approximately 44 patients would need to be treated for the same time period to prevent either one death or a cardiovascular-associated admission to hospital. In both groups, around 3% of participants experienced gastrointestinal disorders from fish oil supplementation. [10646]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3.9 years
- Dose
- 1 g/day
- Population
- Heart failure patients
- Participants
- 3,494
IronView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Many people with heart failure have low iron levels.
- Giving iron through a vein helps these patients feel better, increases their ability to exercise, and reduces the chance of going to the hospital again.
- Doctors often recommend this treatment for people with heart failure and low iron to improve symptoms.
- Taking iron tablets may help a little, but studies show it often does not improve energy or quality of life as much as iron given through a vein.
- Some small studies found iron tablets can help improve iron levels and walking distance slightly.
- Oral iron may still be an option for people who cannot receive intravenous iron.
Browse 17 studies·10 meta-analyses
MetaImpact of Intravenous Iron in patients with heart failure and Iron Deficiency: an updated Meta-analysis of Randomized controlled trials2024n=6,511
A meta-analysis of 11 RCTs (6,511 heart failure patients with iron deficiency) found IV iron reduced heart failure hospitalizations by 21–28% but did not significantly lower all-cause mortality.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Heart failure patients
- Participants
- 6,511
2023 Focused Update of the 2021 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure2023
The 2023 ESC focused update provides updated recommendations for diagnosing and treating acute and chronic heart failure, including guidance on iron deficiency management.
RCTEffect of intravenous iron-carbohydrate complexes in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and iron deficiency: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2023
A meta-analysis of RCTs in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and iron deficiency found IV iron-carbohydrate complexes improved symptoms and reduced hospitalizations compared with standard care.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Heart failure patients
MetaEfficacy and safety of intravenous iron repletion in patients with heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis2023n=3,258
A meta-analysis of IV ferric carboxymaltose/derisomaltose trials (3,258 patients) found reduced recurrent HF hospitalizations plus cardiovascular death (RR 0.77; NNT 6) with no clear effect on cardiovascular death alone.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Heart failure patients
- Participants
- 3,258
MetaEfficacy of ferric carboxymaltose in heart failure with iron deficiency: an individual patient data meta-analysis2023n=4,501
An individual patient data meta-analysis of 3 FCM trials (4,501 HF patients) found IV ferric carboxymaltose reduced cardiovascular hospitalizations (rate ratio 0.86) over 52 weeks without a clear mortality benefit.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 52 weeks
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 4,501
RCTFerric Carboxymaltose in Heart Failure with Iron Deficiency2023n=3,065
In the HEART-FID trial of 3,065 ambulatory HF patients with iron deficiency, repeated IV ferric carboxymaltose did not significantly improve the composite of death, HF hospitalization, or 6-minute walk distance versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 12 months
- Population
- Heart failure patients
- Participants
- 3,065
ObservationalHaem Iron Intake Is Associated with Increased Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events, All-Cause Mortality, Congestive Cardiac Failure, and Coronary Revascularisation in Older Men: The Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project2023n=168
In 539 Australian men aged 75+, each 1 mg/day increase in dietary haem iron over ~5 years was associated with higher major adverse cardiovascular events, mortality, heart failure, and revascularization.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 5 years
- Dose
- 1 mg/day
- Population
- Heart failure patients
- Participants
- 168
- Avg age
- ~75
MetaIntravenous iron in patients with heart failure and iron deficiency: an updated meta-analysis2023n=3,373
A meta-analysis of 10 RCTs (3,373 HF patients with iron deficiency) found IV iron reduced recurrent HF hospitalization plus cardiovascular death (rate ratio 0.75) but mortality effects remained inconclusive.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Heart failure patients
- Participants
- 3,373
RCTIntravenous iron therapy among patients with heart failure and iron deficiency: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2023n=3,492
A meta-analysis of 12 RCTs (3,492 HF patients with iron deficiency) found IV iron reduced HF hospitalization or cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.72) and HF hospitalization alone (RR 0.69) versus control.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8.3 months
- Population
- Heart failure patients
- Participants
- 3,492
Guide2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines2022
The 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA heart failure guideline provides updated evidence-based recommendations for prevention, diagnosis, and management of heart failure, including iron repletion in deficient patients.
- Population
- Heart failure patients
MetaComparative efficacy of intravenous and oral iron supplements for the treatment of iron deficiency in patients with heart failure: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2022
A network meta-analysis of 16 HF trials found IV iron improved 6-minute walk distance and quality of life and reduced HF hospitalization after 12+ weeks; oral iron reduced hospitalization and all-cause death but not exercise capacity.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Heart failure patients
MetaEffects and Safety of Oral Iron for Heart Failure with Iron Deficiency: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis2022n=582
A meta-analysis of 4 RCTs (582 HF patients with iron deficiency) found oral iron modestly improved LVEF (+1.52%) and ferritin but did not improve 6-minute walk distance, NT-proBNP, or hemoglobin.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Heart failure patients
- Participants
- 582
RCTOral Ferrous Sulphate Improves Functional Capacity on Heart Failure Patients with Iron Deficiency Anemia2022n=22
In 41 HF patients with iron-deficiency anemia, oral ferrous sulfate 200 mg three times daily for 12 weeks improved 6-minute walk distance by 46 m versus a 14 m decline with placebo (p<0.001).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 200 mg 3×/day
- Population
- Heart failure patients
- Participants
- 22
- Ages
- 18–75
MetaIntravenous iron for heart failure with evidence of iron deficiency: a meta-analysis of randomised trials2021n=1,168
A meta-analysis of 7 RCTs (2,166 HF patients with iron deficiency) found IV iron reduced first HF hospitalization or cardiovascular mortality (OR 0.73) and HF hospitalization (OR 0.67) with uncertain mortality benefit.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Heart failure patients
- Participants
- 1,168
RCTIdentifying responders to oral iron supplementation in heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction: a post-hoc analysis of the IRONOUT-HF trial2019n=39
Post-hoc analysis of IRONOUT-HF (98 HFrEF patients) found only 24% responded to oral iron polysaccharide 150 mg twice daily for 16 weeks, with no link between iron response and functional or biomarker improvement.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Dose
- 150 mg 2×/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 39
- Ages
- 54–71
MetaIron supplementation for the treatment of chronic heart failure and iron deficiency: systematic review and meta-analysis2012n=370
A meta-analysis of 4 RCTs (594 chronic HF patients) found IV iron improved quality of life, reduced hospitalizations, increased 6-minute walk distance and ejection fraction, with acceptable safety.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Heart failure patients
- Participants
- 370
RCTFerric carboxymaltose in patients with heart failure and iron deficiency2009n=459
In 459 chronic HF patients with iron deficiency, IV ferric carboxymaltose improved symptoms, NYHA class, 6-minute walk distance, and quality of life at 24 weeks versus placebo with similar adverse event rates.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 200 mg/day
- Population
- Heart failure patients
- Participants
- 459
TaurineView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking taurine supplements may help improve heart function, symptoms, and exercise ability in people with congestive heart failure.
- Studies show that doses between 2 and 6 grams daily for several weeks can improve heart pumping and reduce symptoms.
- Some people with severe heart failure have experienced notable improvements in their condition after a few weeks of taking taurine, with benefits lasting as long as they continue treatment.
Browse 7 studies
RCTEffect of taurine supplementation on exercise capacity of patients with heart failure2011n=15
In heart failure patients, taurine supplementation improved exercise capacity and cardiac function measures versus baseline in this randomized trial.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 2 weeks
- Dose
- 500 mg 3×/day
- Population
- Patients with heart failure
- Participants
- 15
- Avg age
- 60.57±6.54
RCTLong-term effect of taurine in congestive heart failure: preliminary report. Heart Failure Research with Taurine Group1994
A preliminary report in congestive heart failure patients suggested long-term taurine may improve cardiac function, though controlled outcome data were limited.
- Effect
- Benefit
Controlled trialUsefulness of taurine in chronic congestive heart failure and its prospective application1992n=17
In 17 HF patients, 6 weeks of 3 g/day taurine improved systolic left ventricular function on echocardiography, while 30 mg/day CoQ10 did not.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Dose
- 3 g/day
- Population
- Heart failure patients
- Participants
- 17
RCTTherapeutic effect of taurine in congestive heart failure: a double-blind crossover trial1985n=14
In 14 congestive heart failure patients over 4 weeks, taurine 3 g/day improved NYHA functional class and exercise tolerance versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Dose
- 3 g/day
- Population
- Patients with heart failure
- Participants
- 14
Clinical trialTaurine for treatment of congestive heart failure in humans1983
An early study reported oral taurine improved congestive heart failure symptoms in treated patients versus baseline, though modern trial details were limited.
- Effect
- Benefit
Open-labelTherapy of congestive heart failure with orally administered taurine1983n=24
In 24 CHF patients over 4 weeks, oral taurine 2 g twice daily improved clinical severity scores and cardiac function versus baseline.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Dose
- 4 g/day
- Population
- Patients with heart failure
- Participants
- 24
Taurine for treatment of congestive heart failure1982
A report on taurine for congestive heart failure described symptomatic improvements in treated patients; detailed controlled outcome data were not available in the abstract.
- Effect
- Benefit
American GinsengView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is uncertain if American ginseng helps people with heart failure.
- A review of several small, low-quality studies found that taking an American ginseng extract alongside usual treatment for 1 to 6 months slightly improved heart pumping ability and walking distance compared to usual treatment alone.
Browse 1 study·1 meta-analysis
Systematic reviewThe efficacy and safety of panax quinquefolius saponin for heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis2025n=952
A meta-analysis of 9 HF RCTs (952 patients) found adjuvant Panax quinquefolius saponins raised LVEF 6.2%, improved 6-minute walk distance, and lowered BNP versus standard care.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Patients with heart failure
- Participants
- 952
AloeView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking aloe vera gel capsules twice daily might help improve symptoms, quality of life, and sleep in adults with moderate heart failure, but it does not improve sleep apnea or walking ability.
- The small study size limits confidence in these findings.
Browse 1 study
RCTThe effect of a standardized capsule of Aloe vera gel on the quality of life in patients with systolic heart failure: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial2023
In an 8-week RCT of 42 systolic heart failure patients given 150 mg Aloe vera gel twice daily, quality of life, NYHA class, sleep, and adverse events improved significantly versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 150 mg 2×/day
- Population
- Patients with heart failure
BerberineView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Adding berberine supplements to usual medications may help people with congestive heart failure (CHF).
- Studies show that taking berberine (about 1.2 to 2 grams daily for 2 months) can reduce abnormal heartbeats, improve heart pumping ability, increase exercise tolerance, and lower the risk of death compared to standard treatment alone.
- It is generally safe and well tolerated in these studies.
Browse 1 study
RCTEfficacy and safety of berberine for congestive heart failure secondary to ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy2003n=79
An 8-week RCT of 156 congestive heart failure patients found berberine 1.2–2.0 g/day improved ejection fraction, exercise capacity, arrhythmia burden, and 24-month mortality versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 2.0 g/day
- Population
- Patients with heart failure
- Participants
- 79
Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)View supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Two small studies have examined the use of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplements in people with chronic heart failure.
- In one study, patients received a high-dose BCAA product three times per day during their hospital stay.
- This treatment did not improve blood protein levels or heart size compared with a placebo.
- In another study, patients in a cardiac rehabilitation program took a supplement containing BCAAs, whey protein, vitamins, and minerals twice daily for 12 weeks.
- This regimen increased body fat but did not improve exercise capacity, walking distance, or muscle strength.
- It is unclear whether these findings were due to the BCAAs, the added nutrients, or the combination.
Browse 2 studies
RCTThe effects of an oral nutritional supplement with whey peptides and branched-chain amino acids for cardiac rehabilitation of patients with chronic heart failure2021n=10
A pilot RCT of 20 chronic heart failure patients found 12 weeks of whey peptide plus BCAA increased peak VO2 and 6-minute walk distance versus control rehabilitation alone.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Population
- Patients with heart failure
- Participants
- 10
RCTEffect of oral branched-chain amino acids on serum albumin concentration in heart failure patients with hypoalbuminemia: results of a preliminary study2018n=9
An RCT of 16 hospitalized heart failure patients with hypoalbuminemia found 28 days of oral BCAA raised albumin 0.44 g/dL and reduced cardiothoracic ratio versus control.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 28 days
- Population
- Patients with heart failure
- Participants
- 9
L-CitrullineView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Small studies in people with heart failure suggest that taking L-citrulline supplements might help improve heart function.
- In some patients, 3 grams daily for 2 to 4 months lowered pressure in the lung arteries and improved how well the heart pumps blood, both at rest and during exercise.
- About one-third of patients also had better symptoms of heart failure.
Browse 2 studies
RCTImprovement of ventricular function in systolic heart failure patients with oral L-citrulline supplementation2012n=15
In 35 systolic heart failure outpatients, 3 g/day L-citrulline improved functional class, ejection fraction, and peripheral blood flow versus baseline.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 months
- Dose
- 3 g/day
- Population
- Heart failure patients
- Participants
- 15
RCTEffect of L-arginine or L-citrulline oral supplementation on blood pressure and right ventricular function in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction2010n=15
In 30 HFpEF patients randomized to 8 g/day L-arginine or 3 g/day citrulline malate for 2 months, neither significantly improved blood pressure or right ventricular function versus baseline.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 2 months
- Dose
- 8 g/day
- Population
- Heart failure patients
- Participants
- 15
Nicotinamide RibosideView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It's uncertain whether nicotinamide riboside helps people with heart failure.
- In a small study, patients took increasing doses for 12 weeks up to 1 gram twice a day.
- Supplementation did not improve walking ability or quality of life compared with a placebo, but the study may have been too small to show a clear result.
Browse 1 study
Clinical trialSafety and Tolerability of Nicotinamide Riboside in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction2022n=30
In 30 heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction, nicotinamide riboside 1000 mg twice daily was safe, doubled blood NAD+, and correlated with improved PBMC respiration.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 2000 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with heart failure
- Participants
- 30
AstaxanthinView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is uncertain if astaxanthin helps heart failure.
- One small study found that taking a supplement with astaxanthin, tocotrienol, and vitamin C daily for 3 months slightly improved heart pumping ability and exercise tolerance compared to before treatment.
Browse 1 study
Open-labelEffects of 3-Month Astaxanthin Supplementation on Cardiac Function in Heart Failure Patients with Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction - A Pilot Study2020
In 16 heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction over 3 months, astaxanthin lowered oxidative stress markers, raised LVEF 34% to 38%, and increased 6-minute walk distance.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Population
- Patients with heart failure
- Ages
- 20+
Saccharomyces boulardiiView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear whether Saccharomyces boulardii helps people with heart failure.
- In one small study, taking 1000 mg daily for 3 months seemed to improve heart function, but the results were not compared properly to a placebo.
- Another larger study using the same supplement found no improvement in heart function or exercise ability.
Browse 2 studies
RCTRifaximin or Saccharomyces boulardii in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Results from the randomized GutHeart trial2021n=151
In heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, S. boulardii did not significantly improve LVEF or TMAO versus rifaximin or control.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Patients with heart failure
- Participants
- 151
RCTProbiotic therapy with Saccharomyces boulardii for heart failure patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial2015
A pilot trial in heart failure patients found S. boulardii did not significantly improve inflammatory or clinical outcomes versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
Evidence visualised
Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.
| Supplement | DEX | Studies | Meta-analyses | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | ★★★★★68% | 17 | 10 | 35% |
| Fish Oil | ★★★★★68% | 7 | 3 | 15% |
| Taurine | ★★★★★68% | 7 | 0 | 15% |
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★72% | 6 | 1 | 13% |
| Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) | ★★★★★44% | 2 | 0 | 4% |
| L-Citrulline | ★★★★★44% | 2 | 0 | 4% |
| Saccharomyces boulardii | ★★★★★32% | 2 | 0 | 4% |
| Aloe | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| American Ginseng | ★★★★★48% | 1 | 1 | 2% |
| Astaxanthin | ★★★★★36% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Berberine | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Nicotinamide Riboside | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |