A recent study suggests that low Vitamin D levels in the body is linked to hypertension or high blood pressure.
Professor Elina Hyppönen from the University of South Australia, who is the lead researcher of the study, says that taking Vitamin D supplements, in comparison to anti-hypertensive drugs, is an effective and cheap way to combat hypertension. Researchers believe that anti-hypertensive drugs also have several side effects like constipation, dizziness, coughing and more. However, Vitamin D supplements do not have any side effects.
"In view of the costs and side effects associated with antihypertensive drugs, the potential to prevent or reduce blood pressure and therefore the risk of hypertension with Vitamin D is very attractive," says Hyppönen.
Vitamin D is present in some food such as tuna, salmon, other oily fish and eggs. However, sunlight is the natural and one of the most important sources of Vitamin D. The Department of Health also recommends vitamin D for healthy teeth and bones. Vitamin D supplements are also recommended for pregnant woman and children who are under the age of five.
Scientists have debated if Vitamin D is important to prevent many diseases. A previous British study of over 1 million cancer patients suggests that people who were diagnosed in summer and autumn lived longer when compared to people who were diagnosed in other times of the year. Scientists suggest that probably exposure to sun increased the vitamin D levels in patients who were diagnosed in summer or autumn.
The latest research analyzed 146,500 people in Europe and North America. The researchers observed specific genetic variants in the blood, which are thought to affect Vitamin D levels in the body. The scientists founds that every 10 percent increase in Vitamin D level in the body was related to low blood pressure and also an 8.1 percent less chance to suffer from hypertension.
Scientists believe that there are many simple ways with which a person can reduce blood pressure. Physical activity, body weight maintenance and consuming less salt are some recommended tips for people who suffer from high blood pressure.
The advantages of Vitamin D for patients suffering from hypertension have been discussed by many scientists. The researchers of the latest study believe that the finding is a significant step to confirm that Vitamin D supplements can reduce high blood pressure. However, more research is required before healthcare professionals can recommend Vitamin D to patients suffering from high blood pressure.
