Most people know vitamin D as the nutrient that helps build strong bones. It allows the body to absorb calcium, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and broken bones.
However, scientists now know that vitamin D is involved in many other parts of the body, including the heart and blood vessels.
Growing research suggests that maintaining healthy vitamin D levels may also help support normal blood pressure.
Vitamin D is often called the sunshine vitamin because the skin makes it when exposed to sunlight. People can also get it from foods such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, egg yolks, fortified milk, breakfast cereals, and supplements.
Despite these sources, vitamin D deficiency is common, especially among older adults, people who spend little time outdoors, and those living in places with limited sunlight.
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, affects billions of people worldwide. It develops when blood pushes too strongly against artery walls over a long period. This forces the heart to work harder and raises the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and heart failure.
Researchers have noticed that people with low vitamin D levels are more likely to have high blood pressure.
One possible reason involves the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which helps control blood pressure and body fluids. Studies suggest vitamin D may reduce production of renin, a hormone that activates this system. When the system is less active, blood vessels may stay more relaxed and blood pressure may remain lower.
Vitamin D may also improve the health of the inner lining of blood vessels, helping them stay flexible so blood flows more easily. Healthy arteries place less strain on the heart.
Scientists caution that vitamin D is not a cure for high blood pressure. Clinical trials have shown that supplements do not lower blood pressure in everyone. Diet, exercise, body weight, stress, genetics, and salt intake remain major influences.
Experts recommend getting enough vitamin D through safe sunlight exposure, healthy foods, or supplements if advised by a healthcare professional. Combined with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight, vitamin D may become one part of an overall heart-healthy lifestyle.
Research on this topic has been published in several cardiovascular and medical journals, and scientists continue to study exactly how vitamin D affects blood pressure.
If you care about health, please read studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease.
For more health information, please see recent studies that olive oil may help you live longer, and vitamin D could help lower the risk of autoimmune diseases.
