Recent research highlights the potential of vitamin D supplements to lower blood pressure in older individuals, especially those struggling with obesity.
The study, published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, involved a double-blind, randomized controlled trial with 221 participants aged 65 and above, all having a body mass index (BMI) over 25, indicating overweight or obesity. These individuals also had serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels between 10 and 30 ng/mL, suggesting either insufficiency or deficiency.
Participants received 250mg of calcium citrate daily, and for their vitamin D intake, they were divided into two groups. The first group, referred to as the ‘low dose group,’ received 600 International Units (IU) of vitamin D daily with a placebo, while the ‘high dose group’ was given 3,750 IU per day. After a year, researchers observed a reduction in blood pressure among all participants.
Specifically, a decrease of 3.5 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and 2.8 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure was noted on average, albeit no significant difference was found between the two dosage groups. Nevertheless, the high dose group experienced a slightly greater reduction.
The study underlines that exceeding the recommended daily vitamin D dose does not yield further health advantages. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) advises 600 IU daily for adults aged 51-70 and 800 IU for those over 70.
Michelle Routhenstein, a Preventive Cardiology Dietitian not involved in the study, remarked on the known benefits of vitamin D in regulating the renin-angiotensin system, crucial for blood pressure control. A lack of vitamin D can increase renin, potentially raising blood pressure. Routhenstein also highlighted the role of calcium in aiding blood vessel function, which contributes to blood pressure management.
While the findings are promising, the study has limitations. The sample consisted mainly of older adults with a high BMI and included only nine individuals engaging in regular physical activity. This may impact the applicability of the results to a broader, more diverse population.
Furthermore, a significant portion of participants were on anti-hypertensive medication, with some starting treatment during the study, which might affect the interpretation of the results.
Despite these constraints, the results do add to the evidence linking low vitamin D levels to increased risks for various health issues, including hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. However, experts caution against high doses of vitamin D due to potential toxicity, advising proper lab testing to ensure adequate levels.
This study contributes valuable insights into the benefits of vitamin D supplements for blood pressure management in older adults with obesity, reinforcing the importance of maintaining appropriate vitamin D levels without exceeding recommended doses.
Source: Medicalnewstoday
