Vitamin D Lowers Blood Pressure

BOSTONVitamin D supplementation significantly reduced blood pressure in African Americans, according to a new study in Hypertension. The trial analyzed the effects of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) on systolic and diastolic pressure in the black population, which has significantly higher hypertension rates than whites (Hypertension. 2013; 61: 779-785).

In the randomized, double-blind, four-arm trial, nearly 300 African Americans took placebo, 1000, 2000, or 4000 IU of cholecalciferol per day for three months for two winters. Researchers measured blood pressure and 25-hydroxyvitamin D at baseline, three and six months.

Patients receiving 1,000, 2,000 and 4,000 IU/d lowered their systolic pressure by .66, 3.4 and 4.0 mm Hg, respectively. Those taking placebo experienced a 1.7 mm HG increase. Diastolic pressure was not affected.

In recent months, vitamin D deficiency has been tied to military suicide and obesity in children.