A double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the European Heart Journal (2005;26(21):2238–2244) examined the effects of long-term nutrient supplementation in elderly patients with chronic heart failure.
Thirty patients with heart failure due to left ventricular dysfunction (average age 75) were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or a multinutrient supplement for nine months. The supplement contained calcium, copper, zinc, magnesium, selenium, vitamins A, C, D, and E, coenzyme Q10, folic acid, and vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12.
Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular (LV) volume were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Functional capacity was assessed using a six-minute walk test, and quality of life was evaluated with standardized questionnaires.
The group receiving the nutrient supplement showed improvements in LV volume, LVEF, and quality of life. The placebo group showed no such improvements. Neither group demonstrated improvement in six-minute walk distance.
The authors concluded that long-term multinutrient supplementation may improve cardiac function and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure.
