Vitamin D May Lower Blood Pressure in Obese Adults: Study

A study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society suggests that vitamin D supplements may help lower blood pressure in older adults with obesity. The study, which followed 221 adults for one year, found modest reductions in blood pressure, especially in those with obesity and low vitamin D levels. However, taking more than the recommended daily amount of vitamin D provided no additional benefits.

The study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the diverse health benefits of vitamin D, especially for circulatory and metabolic health, as reported by Medical News Today. 

The study involved adults aged 65 or older with obesity, who were also found to have low vitamin D levels. Participants were divided into two groups: one group received the daily recommended dose of 600 IU of vitamin D, while the other group received a higher dose of 3,750 IU per day. Both groups also took 250 mg of calcium citrate daily. 

After one year, the study observed that both groups experienced a reduction in blood pressure. On average, participants saw a decrease of 3.5 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and 2.8 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure. Although those in the higher dose group saw slightly greater reductions in blood pressure, the difference was not statistically significant. This suggests that the higher dose of vitamin D did not provide additional benefits compared to the recommended amount.

Older adults are at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, which can contribute to a variety of health problems, including bone fractures, falls, and an increased risk of chronic diseases. The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that adults aged 51 to 70 consume 600 IU of vitamin D daily, with those over 70 advised to take 800 IU per day. Despite these guidelines, many older adults fail to meet their daily vitamin D requirements.

Mexicans often have inadequate levels of vitamin D, with a significant portion of the population, including both children and adults, exhibiting deficiency or insufficiency, as reported by the National Institute of Public Health (INSP). Surveys like ENSANUT 2006 and 2012 reveal that many children and adolescents, especially in urban areas, have inadequate vitamin D levels. Adults in rural areas also show higher rates of deficiency. Efforts are ongoing to address this issue, including research into supplementation and its benefits for reducing chronic inflammation and improving health outcomes

In Mexico, the consumption of vitamins and dietary supplements has seen an increase in demand, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Karem Sánchez, President, National Association of the Dietary Supplement Industry (ANAISA).