High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects millions of people worldwide and is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. While medications help many manage their blood pressure, some people struggle to lower their numbers even with multiple drugs.
A new study from the University of Maine suggests that certain B vitamins could offer a natural way to help, especially for those whose blood pressure remains high despite treatment.
The Challenge of Drug-Resistant Hypertension
For about 12.8% of the global population, high blood pressure does not respond well to medication. Doctors generally aim to keep blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg, but newer guidelines recommend an even lower target of 130/80 mmHg.
Reaching this goal is especially tough for people with drug-resistant hypertension, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The Role of Homocysteine in Blood Pressure
One possible reason for high blood pressure is homocysteine, a natural substance in the body that affects blood vessels. When homocysteine levels are too high, it can make blood vessels tighten, raising blood pressure.
B vitamins—including B6, B12, folate (B9), and riboflavin (B2)—help regulate homocysteine levels. However, if someone doesn’t get enough of these vitamins from food or has certain genetic factors, homocysteine levels can rise, increasing the risk of hypertension and heart disease.
What the Study Found
The researchers reviewed past studies and found that taking B vitamins can lower homocysteine levels, which in turn can reduce blood pressure by 6 to 13 mmHg. This suggests that B vitamin supplements could be a simple and affordable way to help manage high blood pressure, especially for people who don’t respond well to medication.
However, there is still debate over what a normal homocysteine level should be. Many labs consider levels up to 11.4 μmol/L as normal, but some experts believe it should be 10 μmol/L or lower. More research is needed to confirm the best target level for heart health.
Should You Take B Vitamins for Blood Pressure?
B vitamins play a key role in heart health, but before taking supplements, it’s important to consult a doctor. While the study shows promising results, each person’s needs are different. A healthcare provider can check homocysteine levels and determine whether B vitamin supplements are a safe and effective option.
A Natural Approach to High Blood Pressure
This research highlights a potential new strategy for lowering blood pressure using vitamins instead of relying only on medications. Since B vitamins are safe, widely available, and affordable, they could become a useful complementary treatment for people with difficult-to-control hypertension.
While more studies are needed, this discovery offers hope for those struggling to manage high blood pressure. As scientists continue to explore this connection, B vitamins could become an important part of future hypertension treatment plans.
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