A new study suggests that vitamin D has no effect on regulating blood pressure

The Study

Researchers at the School of Medicine in Dundee, Scotland collected blood pressure data from 46 different clinical trials with over 4,541 participants. Each patient used vitamin D supplements for a minimum of 4 weeks. 

The Results

• Vitamin D supplements had no impact on the systolic and diastolic blood pressure
• Did not lower blood pressure – even if participants started with low vitamin D levels or high blood pressure
• Study concludes that vitamin D supplementation is ineffective in lowering blood pressure
• It cannot be recommended as a way to help control high blood pressure

Here's What You Need To Know

We've seen a growing trend of people turning to nutritional supplements in order to avoid expensive medical treatments. However,  we need to evaluate recommending treatments of conditions with vitamins and minerals. It's important to understand how supplements affect our health. 

• Vitamin D helps improve bone health & has been believed to help lower blood pressure
• People with higher blood pressure have lower vitamin D
• 75% of Caucasians & 97% of African Americans are low in vitamin D

This study is important because many clinicians recommend patients with hypertension to take vitamin D.  This further indicates the importance and accuracy of information. The data in this case questions what doctors currently recommend to patients. 

Samadi Says-

Patients: If your doctor says you should be on vitamin D, ask them about the data that shows it will benefit you

Vitamin D 101

• Used in the body to regulate calcium and phosphorus absorption and to maintain healthy bones and teeth
• Believed to reduce the risk of several chronic diseases such as cancer, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis

• 2nd most taken vitamin in the country after multivitamins

High Blood Pressure? Try These Ideas.

• Eat healthy foods
• Decrease salt consumption
• Limit alcohol
• Reduce stress
• Quit smoking