Nutrition and exercise are two essential aspects which help to support cardiovascular and circulatory health. However, as we age the ability of our body to store and utilise nutrients important for our heart will also decrease.

A regular diet of fish (and ideally oily fish) has been identified as important for heart health due to the EPA and DHA fatty acid content of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. Omega-3 fatty acids, at the appropriate dose, contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure, blood triglyceride levels and normal function of the heart.

Another important consideration for heart health is homocysteine – this is an intermediary produced by the body as part of the methylation cycle. One of the consequences of this cycle not working properly is raised homocysteine, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (and cognitive decline). The B vitamins folic acid, B6, B12 and choline support the normal metabolism (or ‘recycling’) of homocysteine and so reduce the likelihood of raised levels.