Does calcium and vitamin D supplementation improve blood pressure control?

This study investigated if calcium and vitamin D (Ca-vitD) supplementation improves blood pressure (BP) control. 

They found that Ca-vitD supplementation was associated with reduced diastolic BP (DBP; BP between heart beats).

Hypertension or high blood pressure (BP) is a common condition. If BP is not controlled it can cause damage to other organs. Patients with hypertension can also have or develop cardiovascular disease (CVD). Managing BP is important to prevent major adverse events such as heart attack, stroke or death. 

BP can be managed using lifestyle interventions or medication. The role of diet in BP management is also important. Calcium (Ca) intake has been associated with BP control. Some studies suggest that Ca supplementation can reduce BP in patients with hypertension. Ca is also affected by vitamin D (vitD). VitD improves Ca absorption in the bowel. The effect of Ca on BP is also dependent on vitD. It is unclear if Ca and vitD supplementation improves BP control. 

This study reviewed 8 clinical trial reports on Ca-vitD supplementation and BP.  This included healthy patients and patients with hypertension. 7 of these trials had between 42 and 118 participants. 1 trial had 17,122 patients. The main outcome was the change in systolic (SBP; BP when the heart beats) or diastolic BP (DBP).

There was a small, nonsignificant reduction of SBP with Ca-vitD supplementation. There was a significant reduction in DBP after Ca-vitD supplementation. Young adults (aged 20-30) were more likely to achieve a reduction in DBP than other age groups. 

The authors concluded that Ca-vitD supplementation was associated with reduced DBP, particularly among young people.

There was a lot of variability in the data. The majority of patient data came from healthy patients. A controlled study with Ca-vitD supplementation in hypertensive patients is needed.

If you have any concerns regarding hypertension please consult with your doctor.