Study Reveals Vitamin D Supplements Could Help Fight High Blood Pressure in Obese Seniors

A recent study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found that vitamin D supplementation could effectively lower blood pressure among obese older adults. The research examined the effects of vitamin D on blood pressure in obese adults aged 65 and older.

According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), adults aged 51 to 70 should aim for a daily intake of 600 IU of vitamin D. Insufficient levels of vitamin D have been linked to a range of health problems, including an increased risk of falls, fractures, and certain autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.

Also, some studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiovascular issues, particularly in older adults.

In this study, researchers investigated the effects of vitamin D supplementation on blood pressure in 221 obese adults aged 65 and older, all with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher. Participants had low vitamin D levels (measured as 25-hydroxy vitamin D), ranging from 10 to 30 ng/mL, indicating deficiency (below 20 ng/mL) or insufficiency (below 30 ng/mL).

The study participants were divided into two groups. One group received a low daily dose of 600 IU of vitamin D, while the other was given a higher dose of 3,750 IU daily. The study followed participants for one year.

The results showed that both groups experienced reduced blood pressure after taking vitamin D supplements. On average, systolic blood pressure decreased by 3.5 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure dropped by 2.8 mmHg. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two dosage groups.

The group that received the higher dose of vitamin D showed a slightly more significant reduction in blood pressure than the lower-dose group, but this difference was not statistically significant. This suggests that increasing the dose of vitamin D does not necessarily lead to a proportionally more substantial decrease in blood pressure.

Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that vitamin D supplementation may be a helpful tool in managing blood pressure in obese older adults. However, further research is needed to understand the potential benefits of higher doses fully.