Micronutrients for heart and circulation
Every day, our heart beats around 100.000 times and pumps more than 14.000 liters of blood through the blood vessels. These vessels run through the human body with a total length of about 100.000 kilometers. In addition to a strong heart, healthy blood vessels are also of great importance for a functioning circulatory system.
This vast circulation system supplies the metabolism of every single body cell, transporting oxygen from the lungs to the cells and carbon dioxide in the opposite direction. In addition, nutrients are carried to the individual tissues and metabolic or waste products to the excretory organs. Messenger substances (e.g. hormones), cells of the immune system, and components of the clotting system are distributed throughout the body via the blood.
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The organs of the cardiovascular system
The cardiovascular system consists of several protagonists. At the forefront is the heart, which pumps blood through our body as a pump. The "systemic circulation" refers to the circulation in which oxygen-rich blood is pumped from the lungs into the left atrium of the heart and then into the entire body. After the nutrients and oxygen have been delivered to the cells, the blood flows into the "pulmonary circulation". Here, the oxygen-poor blood is pumped back into the lungs.
The cardiovascular system also includes the blood itself as well as the associated blood pressure. If any of the mentioned components encounters an issue, it will have a problematic impact on the entire cardiovascular system.
The influence of lifestyle
Complaints of the cardiovascular system (such as problems with the heart, blood pressure, arteries, or veins) are often referred to as "lifestyle diseases" because they are heavily dependent on personal lifestyle in our modern times. Reasons for their frequent occurrence in our society include unhealthy eating habits combined with widespread lack of exercise, too much stress, and harmful habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
Micronutrients to support the cardiovascular system
By adopting a healthy lifestyle, getting enough exercise, and paying attention to daily nutrition, much can be done to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Sufficient fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs, plant oils, fish, whole grains, nuts, and limited meat provide a healthy foundation for this. The body should be supplied with a full range of micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, and trace elements) as they work together at various points to ensure that our complex cardiovascular system functions smoothly and remains protected.
Iron, vitamin B12, and B6 - for the transport of oxygen into the cells.
When we inhale oxygen through breathing, it is transported from the blood to the cells and organs. Responsible for this process is hemoglobin, a protein molecule in red blood cells that can easily bind and release oxygen. Iron is particularly valuable in supporting this oxygen transport in our blood, as it aids in the normal formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin. Additionally, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 also contribute to the normal formation of red blood cells, thus supporting oxygen transport in the body.
Since iron is involved in the formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin, it is also important that iron can be well processed in our body. Vitamin C is crucial in this process as it enhances the body's iron absorption. Once in the body, copper helps to ensure normal iron transport. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) further contributes to a normal iron metabolism.
Without vitamin D, no calcium
Through our diet, for example through dairy products, we absorb calcium. Calcium is an important mineral for humans. Although 99 percent of all calcium in the body is stored in the bones, calcium also plays an important role in numerous other processes such as blood clotting. At the same time, having too high a level of calcium in the blood can cause problems. Vitamin D is involved in the normal absorption and utilization of calcium.
Other important micronutrients
The "mood vitamin" Thiamine (also known as Vitamin B1) plays an important role in our cardiovascular system, as it contributes to normal heart function. Vitamin C is of great importance for our arteries and veins, as it contributes to normal blood vessel function.
Homocysteine - the unwanted metabolic product
When simple protein building blocks from our food, the amino acids, are broken down by our body, homocysteine is produced. In order to break down this harmful and unwanted intermediate product, the body should be supplied with sufficient folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, as they contribute to a normal homocysteine metabolism.
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