Stroke - Supplements

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Stroke
Several types of strokes can strike the brain with little warning—but you can cut your risk for future strokes. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Modify your diet

    Reduce stroke risk by eating lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish

  • Steer clear of smoke

    Kick the habit and avoid secondhand smoke to lower your risk

  • Take a test

    Visit your doctor for a series of tests to determine if you have problems with high blood pressure or high blood levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, or glucose; all may increase your risk of stroke

Also indexed as:
  • bleeding into the brain,
  • brain attack,
  • brain bleed,
  • cerebral apoplexy,
  • cerebral hemorrhage,
  • cerebrovascular accident,
  • CVA,
  • hemorrhagic stroke,
  • intracerebral hemorrhage,
  • ischemic stroke,
  • mini strokes,
  • stroke,
  • strokes,
  • TIA,
  • transient ischemic attack,
  • transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Alternative Treatments

About this treatment

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.


SupplementAmountWhy
Vinpocetine
30 to 60 mg per day taken with food2 stars Vinpocetine injections have been reported to improve some measures of brain function in stroke patients and to reduce some of the brain function loss that typically follows a stroke.


2 stars Vinpocetine

30 to 60 mg per day taken with food

Vinpocetine given by intravenous injection has been reported to improve some biochemical measures of brain function in stroke patients.39, 40 A controlled trial found intravenous vinpocetine given within 72 hours of a stroke reduced some of the losses in brain function that typically follow a stroke.41 However, the reliability of human stroke research using vinpocetine has been questioned,42, 43 and more double-blind trials are needed. No studies using oral vinpocetine for treating acute strokes have been published.


SupplementAmountWhy
Folic Acid
(High Homocysteine)
Refer to label instructions 1 star Elevated blood levels of homocysteine have been linked to stroke risk in most studies. Supplementing with folic acid may lower homocysteine levels and reduce stroke risk.


1 star Folic Acid

Elevated blood levels of homocysteine, a toxic amino acid byproduct, have been linked to risk of stroke in most studies.44 , 45 , 46 Supplementation with folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 generally lowers homocysteine levels in humans.47 , 48 , 49 In a pooled analysis (meta-analysis) of eight randomized trials, folic acid supplementation in varying amounts (usually 0.5 mg to 5 mg per day) reduced stroke risk by 18%.50


SupplementAmountWhy
Magnesium
Refer to label instructions 1 star Magnesium appears to reduce high blood pressure, which may in turn reduce stroke risk.


1 star Magnesium

Researchers have found an association between diets low in magnesium and increased risk of stroke, an effect explained partially, but not completely, by the ability of magnesium to reduce high blood pressure.51 Protection from stroke associated with drinking water high in magnesium has also been reported.52 Intravenous magnesium given immediately after a stroke has been proposed as a treatment for reducing stroke deaths,53 but results so far have been inconclusive.54


SupplementAmountWhy
Tocotrienols
Refer to label instructions 1 star In one trial, people with atherosclerosis, a condition that may contribute to stroke, who were given a palm oil extract containing tocotrienols saw significant improvement.


1 star Tocotrienols

In a double-blind trial, people with atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries were given a palm oil extract containing 160–240 mg of tocotrienols (a vitamin E-like supplement) and approximately 100–150 IU vitamin E per day. After 18 months, they had significantly less atherosclerosis or less progression of atherosclerosis compared to a group receiving placebo.55 Vitamin E plus aspirin, has been more effective in reducing the risk of strokes and other related events than has aspirin, alone.56 However, most preliminary trials have shown no protective effects from antioxidant supplementation.57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 A large Finnish trial concluded that supplementation with either vitamin E or beta-carotene conferred no protection against stroke in male smokers,63 although a later review of the study found that those smokers who have either hypertension (high blood pressure) or diabetes do appear to have a reduced risk of stroke when taking vitamin E.64

People with high risk for stroke, such as those who have had TIAs or who have a heart condition known as atrial fibrillation,65 are often given aspirin or anticoagulant medication to reduce blood clotting tendencies. Some natural inhibitors of blood clotting such as garlic,66 , 67 , 68 fish oil,69 and vitamin E,70 , 71 may have protective effects, but even large amounts of fish oil are known to be less potent than aspirin.72 Whether any of these substances is an adequate substitute to control risk of stroke in high-risk people is unknown, and anyone taking anticoagulant medication should advise their prescribing doctor before beginning use of these natural substances.


SupplementAmountWhy
Vitamin B12
(High Homocysteine)
Refer to label instructions 1 star Elevated blood levels of homocysteine have been linked to stroke risk in most studies. Supplementing with vitamin B12 may lower homocysteine levels and reduce stroke risk.


1 star Vitamin B12

Elevated blood levels of homocysteine, a toxic amino acid byproduct, have been linked to risk of stroke in most studies.73 , 74 , 75 Supplementation with folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 generally lowers homocysteine levels in humans.76 , 77 , 78 In a pooled analysis (meta-analysis) of eight randomized trials, folic acid supplementation in varying amounts (usually 0.5 mg to 5 mg per day) reduced stroke risk by 18%.79


SupplementAmountWhy
Vitamin B6
(High Homocysteine)
Refer to label instructions 1 star Elevated blood levels of homocysteine have been linked to stroke risk in most studies. Supplementing with vitamin B6 may lower homocysteine levels and reduce stroke risk.


1 star Vitamin B6

Elevated blood levels of homocysteine, a toxic amino acid byproduct, have been linked to risk of stroke in most studies.80 , 81 , 82 Supplementation with folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 generally lowers homocysteine levels in humans.83 , 84 , 85 In a pooled analysis (meta-analysis) of eight randomized trials, folic acid supplementation in varying amounts (usually 0.5 mg to 5 mg per day) reduced stroke risk by 18%.86


SupplementAmountWhy
Vitamin E
Refer to label instructions 1 star Studies have found that people who eat foods high in antioxidants such vitamin E have less carotid stenosis, a risk factor for stroke. Vitamin E plus aspirin has also been shown to be effective in reducing stroke risk.


1 star Vitamin E

Narrowing of the neck arteries (carotid stenosis) caused by atherosclerosis is a risk factor for stroke. Preliminary diet studies have found that people who eat foods high in antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E have less carotid stenosis.87 , 88

In a double-blind trial, people with atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries were given a palm oil extract containing 160–240 mg of tocotrienols (a vitamin E-like supplement) and approximately 100–150 IU vitamin E per day. After 18 months, they had significantly less atherosclerosis or less progression of atherosclerosis compared to a group receiving placebo.89 Vitamin E plus aspirin, has been more effective in reducing the risk of strokes and other related events than has aspirin, alone.90 However, most preliminary trials have shown no protective effects from antioxidant supplementation.91 , 92 , 93 , 94 , 95 , 96 A large Finnish trial concluded that supplementation with either vitamin E or beta-carotene conferred no protection against stroke in male smokers,97 although a later review of the study found that those smokers who have either hypertension (high blood pressure) or diabetes do appear to have a reduced risk of stroke when taking vitamin E.98

People with high risk for stroke, such as those who have had TIAs or who have a heart condition known as atrial fibrillation,99 are often given aspirin or anticoagulant medication to reduce blood clotting tendencies. Some natural inhibitors of blood clotting such as garlic,100 , 101 , 102 fish oil,103 and vitamin E,104 , 105 may have protective effects, but even large amounts of fish oil are known to be less potent than aspirin.106 Whether any of these substances is an adequate substitute to control risk of stroke in high-risk people is unknown, and anyone taking anticoagulant medication should advise their prescribing doctor before beginning use of these natural substances.

Last Review: 05-11-2011

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Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net

Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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