Comparing Supplements for Heart Function in Dilated Cardiomyopathy

This study pooled data from 14 randomized trials (1,259 participants total) to compare different dietary supplements used alongside conventional treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle becomes enlarged and weakened. Using a statistical technique called network meta-analysis, researchers ranked supplements against each other for their effects on heart pumping function, heart chamber size, heart rate, and related blood markers.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) at 150 mg per day showed the largest improvements in ejection fraction (a measure of how well the heart pumps) and reductions in heart chamber enlargement, compared to conventional treatment alone. Taurine and lower-dose CoQ10 (90 mg/day) also showed benefits but ranked below the higher CoQ10 dose. Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) stood out specifically for reducing heart rate, with this particular finding rated as having moderate-quality evidence—higher than the low-to-very-low certainty seen for most other supplement comparisons.

The researchers were careful to note important limitations: most trials were small, conducted in China, used open-label designs (no blinding), and had inconsistent comparison groups. Safety reporting was also limited across studies.