A recent study led by the University of Maine has found that taking B vitamins to reduce levels of a compound called homocysteine could help lower blood pressure.
This approach may be particularly beneficial for people with drug-resistant hypertension, a condition where standard medications fail to control blood pressure.
Drug-resistant hypertension affects about 12.8% of the global population. It is diagnosed when blood pressure remains above 140/90 mmHg despite treatment with three different types of medications.
A newer and stricter definition of high blood pressure—set at 130/80 mmHg—has made managing the condition even more challenging.
Homocysteine is a naturally occurring compound that plays a role in regulating certain vitamins in the body. High levels of homocysteine can result from genetic factors or a lack of essential B vitamins like B6, B12, folate, and riboflavin (B2).
Elevated homocysteine has been linked to reduced production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps blood vessels relax. This can cause blood vessels to narrow, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and some neurological disorders.
Lowering homocysteine levels is relatively simple and inexpensive, as it can be achieved through vitamin supplementation.
Recent studies, including this one, suggest that adding B vitamins to a treatment plan may help manage hypertension safely and effectively. However, not all experts agree on how broadly these findings can be applied.
In their review of previous research, the team found that supplementing with sufficient amounts of vitamins B2, B6, B12, and folate could lower blood pressure by 6 to 13 mmHg.
These results are promising, particularly for those with hypertension that does not respond well to medications.
The researchers also pointed out an inconsistency in how laboratories define normal homocysteine levels. The current recommended level is 10 μmol/L or lower, but many labs still consider levels as high as 11.4 μmol/L to be normal.
This outdated threshold might delay interventions that could reduce cardiovascular risks. The researchers propose that laboratory standards should be updated and that even lower homocysteine levels might be better for protecting against heart disease and stroke.
While B vitamin supplementation shows promise, the study emphasizes that it should not replace standard treatments for hypertension.
Instead, it can be used alongside medications, under the guidance of a doctor or healthcare provider. This ensures that the treatment is safe and tailored to the individual’s needs.
The findings from this study, led by Merrill Elias and his team, were published in the American Journal of Hypertension.
They highlight the potential of vitamins as a cost-effective addition to managing high blood pressure, especially for people whose condition is difficult to treat with conventional drugs.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and people with severe high blood pressure should reduce coffee intake.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing plant-based foods could benefit people with high blood pressure.
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