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Does Vitamin D Lower Blood Pressure?

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Scientists at University College London

have claimed to have found a direct link between a deficiency in vitamin D – caused by lack of exposure to the sun – and hypertension, which also raises the likelhood of strokes and heart attacks.

Low vitamin D intake has been suggested as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. If this is correct then some cases of cardiovascular disease could be potentially be prevented through vitamin D supplements or food fortification. However, the link between low vitamin D intake and cardiovascular diseases has previously only been drawn through observational studies, where there are potentially a number of other factors that could influence what is observed.

 

This study, D-CarDia, is a large-scale collaboration of epidemiological studies, aiming to establish the causal role of  vitamin D on cardiovascular disease and related traits using genetic proxy markers. 

Initial finding suggest a significant link.  For every 10 per cent increase in vitamin D concentrations, there was a 8.1 per cent decrease in the risk of developing hypertension.

Katharine Jenner, chief executive of Blood Pressure UK, said: “This study adds to the increasing body of research suggesting vitamin D is linked to high blood pressure, one of the biggest causes of death in the UK. Lowering your blood pressure will lower your risk of having a stroke or a heart attack.”

She added: “Find out your blood pressure numbers, and then you can take appropriate action.

“If we are to prevent more cardiovascular diseases we need to consider all the tools at our disposal, which may include vitamin D fortification, but also eating less salt, more fruit and vegetables and more exercise.”

Click here for the full article in The Express