In a nutshell
This article investigated the association between dietary calcium intake, vitamin D levels in the blood and hypertension (high blood pressure). The authors concluded that regular consumption of calcium may help prevent and treat hypertension in patients who do not have low levels of vitamin D.
Some background
Hypertension is blood pressure greater than 140/90mmHg. This high level contributes to heart disease and death. Calcium helps to reduce BP by reducing the blood vessels contracting and therefore taking the pressure off of the heart. Vitamin D acts to absorb calcium from the intestine. It, therefore, increases the levels of calcium in the body. If vitamin D levels are low, calcium is commonly low also.
However, the relationship between dietary calcium intake, hypertension, and blood levels of vitamin D is still under investigation.
Methods & findings
The study involved 619 patients. 343 had hypertension and 276 had normal blood pressure (BP). BP, calcium intake in the diet and blood vitamin D were measured.
32% of patients had low levels of vitamin D (below 20ng/ml). The higher the calcium intake patients had, the lower their BP. This was true in patients with normal vitamin D levels. This association was not seen in patients with low vitamin D levels.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that regular dietary consumption of calcium may contribute to the prevention and treatment of hypertension in subjects with a non-vitamin D deficiency. They also suggested that dietary vitamin D intake can contribute to avoiding this deficiency.
The fine print
This was a small study in Japanese patients. Further studies are required in more diverse populations to confirm the result.
What’s next?
If you have concerns about calcium and vitamin D levels, please consult with your doctor.
Published By :
Nutrients
Date :
Apr 23, 2019
