Vitamin D lowers blood pressure

Taking a vitamin D supplement every day can lower blood pressure—even if you’re older or overweight.

Calcium and D3 supplements taken every day for a year achieved a “significant decrease” in both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) readings, say researchers from the University of Beirut Medical Centre.

The researchers gave the supplements to 221 older adults who were overweight and had an average BMI (body mass index) score above 30.  The dose made a difference; those given the higher daily dose of 3750 IUs a day achieved a greater reduction in BP levels than those who instead took 600 IUs.

But there was an upper limit to the vitamins’ effectiveness; people taking levels above 3750 IUs didn’t see their BP levels fall further.

Vitamin D deficiency is common around the world, and is linked to heart disease, infections and cancer.

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