Nutraceutical: A Promising Era for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with nearly 18–20 million deaths annually. Conventional pharmacological and surgical therapies have improved survival but are often associated with side effects, high costs, and limited long-term efficacy. Nutraceuticals—bioactive compounds derived from dietary sources such as omega-3 fatty acids, phytosterols, polyphenols, vitamins, probiotics, and herbal bioactives—have emerged as promising adjuncts for the prevention and management of CVD. These agents exert cardioprotective effects through diverse mechanisms, including lipid-lowering, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and endothelial-protective pathways. Clinical trials such as GISSI-Prevenzione, REDUCE-IT, PREDIMED, and Q-SYMBIO provide strong evidence supporting the efficacy of specific nutraceuticals, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, plant sterols, Coenzyme Q10, and polyphenols, in reducing cardiovascular risk and improving outcomes in patients with heart disease. Furthermore, plant-based diets rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains—naturally enriched with nutraceuticals—demonstrate significant protective benefits against CVD progression. However, challenges remain regarding variability in supplement quality, bioavailability, and the need for standardized dosing. Future directions include integration of nutraceuticals into precision nutrition, exploration of gut microbiota interactions, and development of novel delivery systems to enhance clinical effectiveness. Overall, nutraceuticals represent a cost-effective, multi-targeted, and accessible strategy that complements conventional therapies, offering a promising era in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Keywords: Nutraceuticals; Cardiovascular disease; Omega-3 fatty acids; Polyphenols; Probiotics; Functional foods; Antioxidants; Precision nutrition.