While the impact of vitamin deficiencies has been studied by scientists for some time, the effects of using supplements to remedy the gaps in nutrition have not been researched to the same degree.

Dr Suzanne Judd of the University of Alabama says that because low levels of nutrients like vitamin D are linked to poor heart health, including increased blood pressure measures, studies should be undertaken to better define the role.

Other researchers from the Southern Society of Clinical Investigations likewise say that folic acid and vitamin B9 levels have been linked with inflammation, and are hopeful for results from federal research initiatives about the role of supplementations with various nutrient combinations.

"The role of nutrition in the causation, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases is largely unexplored," says Dr Karl T. Weber.

More research "will undoubtedly open new frontiers and pave the way by identifying simple remedies that could advance the practice of medicine," he added.

One such possibility would combine magnesium, calcium, zinc and other chemicals into a multi-vitamin-like substance for use by African-Americans at risk for certain cardiovascular conditions.