Data from over 146,500 people from 35 different studies was examined to assess any link between vitamin D deficiency and hypertension.
The findings showed people with higher levels of vitamin D in their body had a lower diastolic and systolic blood pressure and were 8% less likely to develop high blood pressure. The study suggests taking vitamin D supplements could be an effective way of reducing a person’s risk of developing hypertension, subject to further investigation.
Commenting on the study findings, Thembi Nkala, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: “This brings to light another potential cause of high blood pressure, which is an impressive progression in the medical field. More studies are necessary though to better understand and confirm this link between low vitamin D levels and high blood pressure.”
