Nearly one-third of Americans have high blood pressure or hypertension. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explain that it is a factor in almost half of all cases of cardiovascular disease. Your diet can play a major role in determining your risk. The multivitamin you take every day may help reduce your risk of hypertension and heart disease by compensating for deficiencies in your diet. Because of the seriousness of this condition, consult your doctor to help you manage your blood pressure.
Dietary Concerns
The average American diet is deficient in several nutrients that may impact cardiovascular health. According to the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010,” the nutrients of concern include vitamins A, C, D and K. The guidelines explain these nutrients are under-consumed because Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables. If your diet is low in these foods, a multivitamin may help bridge some of the gaps in your diet.
Vitamin D and Hypertension
Your primary source of vitamin D is sun exposure because there are few dietary sources. People living in northern latitudes may suffer from deficiencies simply because of the low sun angle. Vitamin D may help you manage your high blood pressure. A study by the Medical University of Graz in Austria, published in the November 2010 issue of “Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy,” explains that vitamin D has antihypertensive properties that affect hormonal control of blood pressure. Researchers conclude that testing for vitamin D should be considered as part of the treatment plan for hypertension.
Vitamin C and Hypertension
Taking a multivitamin containing vitamin C may help reduce your risk of coronary heart disease. Having high blood pressure is a major risk factor for this condition. A study by Children's Hospital in Boston, published in the July 2003 issue of the “Journal of the American College of Cardiology,” found that dietary intake combined with vitamin C supplementation lowered heart disease risk in participants followed for 16 years. A study by the National Public Health Institute in Finland, published in the December 2004 issue of the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” supports these findings.
Guidelines
Multivitamins may contain other ingredients that you should avoid if you have high blood pressure. Manufacturers may add these ingredients to increase the marketability of their products. Some additional ingredients may be inappropriate for your condition. MayoClinic.com recommends avoiding several dietary supplements because of possible negative effects, including St. John's wort, echinacea and ginseng. There is no cure for hypertension. If you have a pre-existing condition, work closely with your doctor to get your blood pressure under control.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Vital Signs: Prevalence, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension --- United States, 1999--2002 and 2005--2008; February 4, 2011
- USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 - Foods and Nutrients to Increase
- “Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy"; Role of Vitamin D in Arterial Hypertension;S. Pilz and A.Tomaschitz; November 2010
- "Journal of the American College of Cardiology"; Vitamin C and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Women; S. Osganian, et al.; July 2003
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Antioxidant Vitamins and Coronary Heart Disease Risk: A Pooled Analysis of 9 Cohorts; P. Knekt, et al.;December 2004
- Mayo Clinic; Supplements to Avoid when Dealing with High Blood Pressure; Brent Bauer; March 12, 2010
