Higher vitamin D levels help slash risks associated with high blood pressure

Thursday, July 11, 2013 by: John Phillip
Tags: vitamin D, hypertension, high blood pressure

(NaturalNews) High blood pressure or hypertension is a primary contributing factor in the development of cardiovascular disease and death from a heart attack. Heart disease is the leading killer of men and women in industrialized countries, yet millions have no idea they have elevated blood pressure readings that place them at increased risk of illness and an early demise. Nutrition researchers have identified a wide array of natural compounds and nutrients that benefit heart health, but only one stands out above all the others: Vitamin D.

A research group from the University College London in the UK has published the results of their work described as the world's largest study to examine the link between vitamin D levels and hypertension. Released in the European Society of Human Genetics, scientists have found that low levels of Vitamin D can be a major cause of hypertension. The study included a meta-analysis of 35 related works, including more than 155,000 participants from different parts of Europe and North America.

Small increases in vitamin D blood saturation levels can significantly lower high blood pressure risks

The scientists conducting this study noted that vitamin D deficiency is a very common problem in the Western world due to increasing obesity rates known to cause vitamin D deficiency. Researchers used genetic variations, called single nucleotide polymorphisms (or SNPS), as markers to measure the participant's vitamin D levels and test for an association with blood pressure.

The team found that for every 10 percent increase in vitamin D3 blood concentrations, the risk of developing hypertension decreased by 8.1 percent. Many people have clinically depressed vitamin D concentrations, often 30 to 50 percent lower than optimal, placing them at extraordinary risk for high blood pressure and related vascular disorders. Simple elevating vitamin D blood saturation levels from 30 to 50 ng/mL would equate to lowering the risk of becoming hypertensive by more than half. The study authors concluded that their study "strongly suggests that some cases of cardiovascular disease "could be prevented through vitamin D supplements or food fortification."

People obtain vitamin D by consuming foods, through supplements or by exposure to the sun. Food sources are sparse and unreliable, and our ability to convert vitamin D through sun exposure becomes severely limited after the age of 40. Daily supplementation is inexpensive and proven to raise blood levels in a relatively consistent manner. Most adults require 2,000 to 5,000 IU each day, and will need to have a simple 25(OH)D blood test twice a year to ensure optimal readings of 50 to 70 ng/mL are achieved.

Sources for this article include:

https://www.eshg.org/474.0.html

http://www.emaxhealth.com

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262007.php

About the author:
John Phillip is a Certified Nutritional Consultant and Health Researcher and Author who writes regularly on the cutting edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and improve the quality and length of life. John is the author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise, Mind and Targeted Supplementation to achieve your weight loss goal. Visit My Optimal Health Resource to continue reading the latest health news updates, and to download your copy of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan'.