High blood pressure supplements
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
High Blood Pressure Supplements: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to High Blood Pressure and Supplements
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a prevalent condition affecting a significant portion of the global population. Traditional treatments often involve antihypertensive medications, but these can come with side effects and adherence challenges. As a result, there is growing interest in alternative or complementary therapies, including dietary supplements and nutraceuticals, to manage blood pressure.
Antioxidant Supplements and Blood Pressure Reduction
Combination Antioxidant Therapy
Research indicates that short-term, high-dose antioxidant supplementation can effectively reduce blood pressure. A study involving 38 participants demonstrated that a combination of zinc sulphate, ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, and beta-carotene significantly lowered systolic blood pressure in both hypertensive and normotensive individuals. This effect is potentially due to increased nitric oxide availability, which helps in vasodilation.
Herbal Supplements and Their Efficacy
Phenolic-Rich Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements rich in phenolic compounds, such as resveratrol, cherry juice, beetroot juice, bergamot extracts, barberry, and pycnogenol, have shown promising results in reducing blood pressure. A meta-analysis of 31 studies found that these supplements significantly decreased both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, highlighting their potential as effective natural interventions for hypertension.
Diuripres® Supplement
A specific dietary supplement, Diuripres®, containing magnesium, orthosiphon, hawthorn, and hibiscus, was found to significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in individuals with high-normal blood pressure or stage I hypertension. The study also noted improvements in vascular health and metabolic parameters, suggesting a comprehensive benefit for cardiovascular health.
Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods
Policosanol
Policosanol, derived from sugar cane wax, is traditionally known for its cholesterol-lowering properties but also shows significant blood pressure-lowering effects. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials revealed that policosanol supplementation significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, making it a viable option for managing hypertension.
Lactotripeptides
Lactotripeptides (LTP), derived from casein, have been shown to reduce blood pressure. A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials indicated that LTP supplementation resulted in a modest but significant decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, particularly in Japanese populations.
Vitamin D and Magnesium Supplementation
Vitamin D
The role of vitamin D in blood pressure regulation has been explored extensively. While some studies show a non-significant reduction in blood pressure with vitamin D supplementation, others suggest that high-dose, long-term vitamin D supplementation can lower central blood pressure parameters, especially in individuals with vitamin D deficiency .
Magnesium
Magnesium supplementation has been consistently associated with blood pressure reduction. A meta-analysis of 34 trials concluded that magnesium intake significantly lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The effect is more pronounced with higher doses and longer durations of supplementation.
Conclusion
The evidence suggests that various supplements, including antioxidants, herbal extracts, policosanol, lactotripeptides, vitamin D, and magnesium, can effectively reduce blood pressure. These natural interventions offer promising alternatives or complements to traditional antihypertensive medications, potentially improving adherence and reducing side effects. However, it is essential to consider appropriate dosages and potential side effects, and further research is warranted to confirm these findings in broader populations.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic