An unusual approach to blood pressure control was uncovered in a study in Boston. Researchers have noted for some time that African-Americans often have lower levels of vitamin D circulating in their blood. They are also more prone to hypertension.
The investigators conducted a placebo-controlled trial involving 250 African-American Bostonians. They were randomized to receive placebo, 1000, 2000 or 4000 International Units of vitamin D3 daily for three months.
This supplement lowered systolic blood pressure, with higher doses being more effective. The response, while modest, was statistically significant. The investigators suggest that vitamin D may play a role in helping control high blood pressure, especially in African-Americans with inadequate blood levels of this critical nutrient.
[Hypertension, April, 2013]
The People's Perspective on Medicine