Can Vitamin D supplements reduce blood pressure? New study’s findings are promising – Times of India

Vitamin D is essential for many important body functions and its deficiency can no wonder impact various aspects of our health. A latest study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found that Vitamin D supplements along with calcium may help lower blood pressure in older adults with obesity. However, taking more than the recommended dose didn’t provide any additional benefits.
Vitamin D deficiency is linked with change in body chemicals that control blood pressure, as per previous studies. Vitamin D is believed to keep the lining of blood vessels flexible and healthy and in case of low levels, the arteries may turn stiff, making it harder for the blood to flow.
As per a research part funded by the British Heart Foundation, not getting enough vitamin D can led to high blood pressure later in life.The study involved 221 older people with obesity aged 65 years and older, and with serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level between 10 and 30 ng/mL. They were divided into two groups wherein one was given vitamin D supplements at 600 IU/day and the other one was administered the dose of 3,750 IU/day over the course of a year. Both groups were also administered 250 mg of calcium citrate.

It was found that both groups experienced a considerable drop in their blood pressure with their systolic blood pressure dropping by 3.5 mm Hg and their diastolic blood pressure dropping by 2.8 mm Hg.
It was also found that the group who received a higher dose of Vitamin D than recommended didn’t avail greater benefit than the lower one.
“Our study found vitamin D supplementation may decrease blood pressure in specific subgroups such older people, people with obesity and possibly those with low vitamin D levels,” said Ghada El-Hajj Fuleihan, M.D., M.P.H., F.R.C.P., of the American University of Beirut Medical Center in Beirut, Lebanon.
“High vitamin D doses compared to the IOM’s recommended daily dose did not provide additional health benefits,” the researcher added.

Vitamin D is an important addition to your diet as it is crucial for cellular functions regulation in the body. Besides, its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties can support immunity, muscle function and brain cell activity.
Apart from the sunlight, it is abundantly available in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. You can also have fortified foods to get this essential vitamin.
Studies suggest that people who get enough vitamin D and calcium in their diets can also slow down their bone mineral loss, preventing osteoporosis and reducing risk of bone fractures.