*Not all products in this category have an EFSA-approved health claim. Products with an EFSA claim are described as such in the text. The other products are grouped under this theme on the basis of traditional use or product formula. For specific health questions, we recommend consulting a doctor or orthomolecular therapist.
Written by the Plenthera team (orthomolecularly trained). Scientifically reviewed in October 2026. Last updated: 7 October 2026.
The heart and blood vessels do not call for one miracle cure, but for a few well-supported nutrients: omega-3 with EPA and DHA (EFSA claim for heart function), vitamin K for normal blood clotting, vitamin C for collagen formation in the blood vessel wall, B vitamins for homocysteine metabolism and potassium for normal blood pressure. Under this theme you will find the products from our range that fit these needs.
Which heart and blood vessels stack suits you?
| Situation | Stack | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| General basis | Omega-3 (EPA + DHA) + vitamin K2/D3 + multi with B vitamins | Daily with a meal |
| Little oily fish on the menu | Vitals Ultra Pure EPA/DHA or Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega-D3 Sport | With a meal containing fat |
| Plant-based or vegan | Plantforce Vegan Omega-3 (algal oil) + vitamin B12 + vegan D3 | Daily |
| Sport and sweating | ZeroLyte electrolytes (potassium, magnesium) + omega-3 | Around training |
| 50+ | Elke Dag Platinum + omega-3 + K2/D3 + exercise | Ongoing |
What is heart & blood vessels?
The heart is a muscle that pumps blood through a network of vessels; that blood carries oxygen, nutrients and hormones. Nutrients with a recognised role in this system: omega-3 fatty acids (heart), vitamin K (blood clotting), vitamin C (collagen formation in the vessel wall), thiamine (heart), B6, B12 and folate (homocysteine), potassium (blood pressure), magnesium (muscles) and vitamin E (protection of cells from oxidative stress).
Omega-3. EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart (EFSA claim at 250 mg of EPA + DHA per day). At Plenthera: fish oil from Vitals (Ultra Pure EPA/DHA: 570 mg EPA + 430 mg DHA per softgel) and Nordic Naturals (Ultimate Omega-D3 Sport: 850 mg EPA + 425 mg DHA per 2 softgels, with 25 µg D3), algal oil from Plantforce (140 mg EPA + 420 mg DHA per 2 softgels, vegan), Vitals Super Krillolie (omega-3 in phospholipid form) and cod liver oil from Nordic Naturals (Arctic Cod Liver Oil, also as Arctic-D with extra vitamin D).
Vitamin K2 and D3. Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting; vitamin D contributes to normal absorption of calcium and phosphorus. At Plenthera: Vitals Vitamine K2 + D3 (90 µg K2 MK-7 and 25 µg D3 per softgel), Arthur Andrew Medical KD Ultra (K1, K2 MK-4 and MK-7 with 62.5 µg D3), Vitals Bot- en Tandformule Pro and Vitals Vitamine D3 3000 IE (75 µg, vegan). Please note: vitamin K is not suitable in combination with coumarin anticoagulants.
Vitamins C and E. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels — Vitals Ester-C 1000 mg (790 mg vitamin C per tablet) and Vitals Astamax (75 mg vitamin C and 12 mg vitamin E alongside 6 mg astaxanthin). Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress — Vitals Vitamine E-8 (100 mg α-TE from mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols) and Big Food Zwarte Komijnolie (cold-pressed, naturally rich in vitamin E).
B vitamins. Vitamin B6, B12 and folate contribute to normal homocysteine metabolism; thiamine contributes to the normal function of the heart. At Plenthera: Vitals Vitamine B12 1000 µg, Vitals Elke Dag Platinum (all B vitamins in active form, 4.4 mg thiamine per 2 tablets) and Big Food Runderlever (naturally containing B12, vitamin A and folate).
Potassium and magnesium. Potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure; magnesium contributes to normal muscle function. Trace Minerals ZeroLyte provides 500 mg of potassium and 80 mg of magnesium per sachet alongside sodium and trace elements — intended as an electrolyte drink for sport and heat. Stand-alone magnesium products can be found in the Magnesium category.
Important: supplements do not replace medication. With cardiovascular conditions, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, medical care remains the basis, and with blood thinners, blood pressure or cholesterol medication, prior consultation with a doctor or pharmacist is needed — especially for vitamin K, high doses of omega-3 and nattokinase.
Heart & Blood Vessels and EFSA — what is scientifically recognised?
EFSA has not recognised an overarching heart and blood vessels claim. However, there are components with relevant authorised claims (Regulation (EU) 432/2012):
'EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart.' — at 250 mg of EPA + DHA per day (fish oil, algal oil, krill oil, cod liver oil).
'DHA and EPA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels.' — at 2 g of EPA + DHA per day (Vitals Ultra Pure EPA/DHA: 2 softgels); do not exceed a supplemental daily intake of 5 g of EPA + DHA.
'Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting.' — Vitals K2 + D3, KD Ultra, Bot- en Tandformule Pro, Elke Dag Platinum.
'Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels.' — Vitals Ester-C, Astamax, Vital Proteins Active Collagen (50 mg vitamin C).
'Thiamine contributes to the normal function of the heart.' and 'Vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate contribute to normal homocysteine metabolism.' — Vitals Elke Dag Platinum, Vitals B12 1000 µg, Big Food Runderlever.
'Potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.' and 'Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.' — Trace Minerals ZeroLyte (500 mg potassium, 80 mg magnesium per sachet).
'Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.' — Vitals Vitamine E-8, Astamax, Big Food Zwarte Komijnolie.
The claims apply at a daily intake that provides at least 15% of the reference intake. For astaxanthin, krill oil phospholipids and the role of K2 in calcium distribution, we describe the research context, not an effect.
The heart and blood vessels stack at Plenthera
Omega-3 from fish — Vitals Ultra Pure EPA/DHA 1000 mg (60 softgels), Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega-D3 Sport (60 softgels), Vitals Super Krillolie (90 softgels)
1,000 mg EPA + DHA per softgel (Vitals), 1,275 mg per 2 softgels with 25 µg D3 (Nordic), krill oil with 320 mg omega-3 and 100 µg astaxanthin per 2 softgels.
Omega-3 from algae — Plantforce Vegan Omega-3 (120 softgels)
560 mg EPA + DHA per 2 softgels. Vegan, Danish brand (distributed by Plent B.V.).
Cod liver oil — Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil (237 ml, natural, lemon or orange; 180 softgels) and Arctic-D
Omega-3 from cod liver; Arctic-D with extra vitamin D3.
Vitamin K2 + D3 — Vitals K2 + D3 (60 softgels), Arthur Andrew Medical KD Ultra (90 capsules), Vitals Bot- en Tandformule Pro
Menaquinone-7 (K2VITAL®) with vegan D3, or a broad K spectrum (K1, MK-4, MK-7) with D3 and lipase. Not with coumarin anticoagulants.
Vitamin D3 — Vitals Vitamine D3 3000 IE (100 vegan softgels)
75 µg per softgel, from algae; the EFSA upper limit is 100 µg per day from all sources.
Vitamin C — Vitals Ester-C 1000 mg (90 tablets), Vitals Astamax 6 mg (120 softgels)
Buffered vitamin C with bioflavonoids; Astamax combines astaxanthin with vitamins C and E.
Vitamin E — Vitals Vitamine E-8 (60 capsules), Big Food Zwarte Komijnolie (90 softgels)
Eight natural forms of vitamin E; cold-pressed black seed oil naturally containing vitamin E.
B vitamins — Vitals Vitamine B12 1000 µg, Vitals Elke Dag Platinum, Big Food Runderlever
Methyl- and adenosylcobalamin; a complete multi with thiamine, B6, B12 and folate; freeze-dried beef liver (180 capsules).
Electrolytes — Trace Minerals ZeroLyte (30 sachets, 5 flavours)
500 mg potassium, 80 mg magnesium, sodium and trace elements per sachet, without sugar.
Other forms on the market: Q10/ubiquinol, nattokinase, berberine and turmeric are not in this theme category but have their own categories at Plenthera: Q10 (Doctor's Best Ubiquinol 50 mg), nattokinase (Nattovéna, Doctor's Best, Neprinol — only after consultation if you take blood thinners), berberine and turmeric. There is no authorised heart and blood vessels claim for these substances; we describe them on their own pages in a research context.
How do you use supplements for heart & blood vessels?
- Start with omega-3: at least 250 mg of EPA + DHA per day, with a meal containing fat. If you rarely eat oily fish, choose a concentrated fish oil or algal oil.
- Vitamin K2 + D3 according to the label (1 softgel or capsule per day with a meal) — only if you do not use coumarin anticoagulants.
- B vitamins via a complete multi (Elke Dag Platinum: 2 tablets per day) or in a targeted way with B12.
- Vitamins C and E at the dose on the label; vitamin C preferably spread over the day.
- Electrolytes (ZeroLyte) around sport or in hot weather; a potassium-rich diet (vegetables, fruit, pulses) remains the basis. With kidney problems or potassium-sparing medication, consult first.
- Always combine with diet, exercise, a healthy weight and not smoking — lifestyle factors weigh more heavily than any supplement.
- With blood thinners, blood pressure or cholesterol medication: first consult a doctor or pharmacist about omega-3 (high doses), vitamin K and nattokinase.
Myths and misconceptions about heart & blood vessels
Myth 1: 'A pill protects your heart.'
Supplements are an addition to lifestyle, not a replacement. Not smoking, exercise, weight and diet matter most.
Myth 2: 'The more supplements, the better.'
Stacking does not work — choose a targeted stack and give it time.
Myth 3: 'Supplements work instantly.'
Fatty acids and vitamins build up gradually; allow 4–12 weeks.
Myth 4: 'Omega-3 is omega-3.'
Pay attention to the amount of EPA + DHA per serving (not the total amount of fish oil), the form (triglyceride, phospholipid) and freshness.
Combining Heart & Blood Vessels with other supplements
Supplements for the heart and blood vessels work within a broader wellbeing cluster:
- Omega-3 — fish oil, algal oil, cod liver oil
- Vitamin K and vitamin D
- Vitamin C and vitamin E
- Vitamin B12 and multivitamins
- Magnesium and electrolytes
- Q10 and nattokinase — separate categories, without a heart and blood vessels claim
- Sport & Recovery and Energy & Tiredness
Frequently asked questions
Which supplements belong to the heart and blood vessels theme?
Omega-3 with EPA and DHA, vitamin K2 with D3, vitamin C, B vitamins (B6, B12, folate, thiamine), potassium and vitamin E.
How much omega-3 per day for the heart?
The claim applies at 250 mg of EPA + DHA per day. Vitals Ultra Pure provides 1,000 mg per softgel, Nordic Ultimate Omega-D3 Sport 1,275 mg per 2 softgels, Plantforce Vegan Omega-3 560 mg per 2 softgels.
Can I combine omega-3, vitamin K2 or nattokinase with blood thinners?
Not without consultation. Vitamin K affects coumarin anticoagulants; high doses of omega-3 and nattokinase require prior consultation with a doctor or pharmacist with all blood thinners.
What does vitamin K2 do?
Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting and to the maintenance of normal bones. The role of K2 in the distribution of calcium is being researched.
Q10 when taking statins?
You will find Q10 in the Q10 category (Doctor's Best Ubiquinol 50 mg). There is no authorised claim; discuss using it alongside medication with your doctor.
What role does potassium play?
Potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure. ZeroLyte provides 500 mg per sachet; a potassium-rich diet remains the basis.
How long before you notice anything?
4–12 weeks of consistent use; most effects cannot be felt but can be measured through blood tests.
Do these supplements replace medication?
No. With cardiovascular conditions, medical care remains the basis; supplements are complementary.
Sources
- Regulation (EU) 432/2012 — authorised health claims (EPA/DHA, vitamins K, C, E, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium).
- EFSA NDA Panel, "Scientific Opinion on the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)", EFSA Journal (2012).
- Hu Y. et al., "Marine Omega-3 Supplementation and Cardiovascular Disease: An Updated Meta-Analysis of 13 Randomized Controlled Trials", J Am Heart Assoc (2019).
- Schurgers L.J. et al., "Vitamin K-containing dietary supplements: comparison of synthetic vitamin K1 and natto-derived menaquinone-7", Blood (2007).
- Filippini T. et al., "Potassium Intake and Blood Pressure: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials", J Am Heart Assoc (2020).
- Health Council of the Netherlands — Dutch dietary guidelines 2015 (fish, vegetables and fruit).
Disclaimer: This text is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Supplements are food supplements, not medicines. If in doubt or if you take medication, we recommend consulting a doctor or orthomolecular therapist first. With serious or persistent complaints, medical care remains the basis.