Vitamin D breakthrough: Lowering blood pressure without high doses
Recent research published in the "Journal of the Endocrine Society" indicates that vitamin D supplementation may reduce blood pressure in older and obese individuals. Nevertheless, the "more is better" principle does not apply in this context. Exceeding the recommended doses of vitamin D does not confer additional health benefits.
The body's synthesis of vitamin D relies on exposure to UV radiation (290-320 nm), which is not always feasible in various geographical areas and throughout the year. Even a balanced diet often fails to provide an adequate amount of this vitamin, which is why supplementation is advised. For adults, recommended doses range from 800 to 2000 units per day, with long-term intake exceeding 4000 units potentially being hazardous.
Global vitamin D deficiency is linked to various diseases, such as heart disease, immune disorders, infections, and cancer. Previous studies have suggested a connection between vitamin deficiency and an increased risk of hypertension, though conclusive evidence was lacking regarding the impact of supplementation on lowering blood pressure.
Vitamin D supplementation. Study on 221 older individuals
A team of scientists from Lebanon, the USA, and Saudi Arabia, led by Dr Ghada El-Hajj Fuleihan from the American University of Beirut Medical Center, conducted a study on 221 older individuals with obesity. Participants took vitamin D supplements for a year in doses of 600 IU/day or 3750 IU/day. The results demonstrated that supplementation contributed to lowering their blood pressure.
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 Dr Ghada El-Hajj Fuleihan from the American University of Beirut Medical Center in Beirut.
She emphasized that high doses of vitamin D compared to the recommended daily dose by the IOM "did not bring additional health benefits."
The greatest benefits from supplementation were observed in obese individuals and those with low vitamin D levels. The study confirmed that exceeding the recommended doses does not enhance therapeutic effects, highlighting the importance of using appropriate amounts of vitamin D, especially in at-risk groups.
The results of this study could be significant for the prevention and treatment of hypertension, particularly among older and obese individuals.
Of course, vitamin D can also be obtained naturally. It is found in cheese, marine fish, eggs, vegetable oils, milk, and dairy products.
However, sources of vitamin D also exist outside of food—it is produced in the skin under the influence of sunlight. Unfortunately, this option can only be fully utilised in the summer.
