Supplements for hypertension high blood pressure
Searched over 200M research papers
Summary
10 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that various supplements, including herbal extracts, antioxidants, potassium, functional foods, dietary nitrates, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins C and E, can effectively reduce blood pressure and improve vascular health in hypertensive individuals.
Not a yes or no question
To use the Consensus Meter, try asking a simple yes or no question
Research summarized with Copilot
Beta20 papers analyzed
Supplements for Hypertension and High Blood Pressure
Herbal Supplements for Blood Pressure Reduction
Herbal supplements have shown promising results in reducing blood pressure (BP) and preventing cardiovascular diseases. A meta-analysis of 31 studies highlighted the effectiveness of various herbal supplements, including resveratrol, cherry juice, beetroot juice, bergamot extracts, barberry, and pycnogenol, in lowering systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). These supplements are rich in phenolic compounds, which have protective effects against cardiovascular diseases. However, appropriate dosages are crucial to avoid potential side effects, particularly those affecting the digestive system.
Antioxidant Supplementation and Blood Pressure
Antioxidants have been linked to reduced hypertension risk. A study involving 40 subjects demonstrated that a combination of antioxidants (zinc sulphate, ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, and beta-carotene) significantly lowered SBP in both hypertensive and normotensive individuals. The reduction in BP was attributed to increased nitric oxide availability, suggesting that antioxidants could serve as an adjunct to traditional antihypertensive therapies. Additionally, vitamins C and E have been shown to reduce BP by decreasing oxidative stress in patients with essential hypertension.
Potassium Supplementation
Potassium intake has a notable impact on BP, especially in hypertensive individuals. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that potassium supplementation reduced SBP by 4.48 mmHg and DBP by 2.96 mmHg. The effect was more pronounced in individuals with lower baseline potassium intake and higher sodium consumption. This suggests that maintaining an adequate dietary potassium intake, around 90 mmol/day, is beneficial for BP control.
Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
Functional foods and nutraceuticals are gaining attention for their potential to manage hypertension. These include dietary supplements and foods rich in beneficial compounds. A review emphasized the importance of integrating these natural therapies with lifestyle modifications and standard antihypertensive drugs to manage hypertension effectively. For instance, Diuripres®, a supplement containing magnesium, orthosiphon, hawthorn, and hibiscus, significantly reduced both SBP and DBP in individuals with high-normal BP or stage I hypertension.
Dietary Nitrate
Dietary nitrate, particularly from beetroot juice, has been shown to provide sustained BP reduction. A study involving 68 hypertensive patients found that daily supplementation with dietary nitrate significantly lowered clinic, ambulatory, and home BP measurements. The reduction was attributed to improved endothelial function and reduced arterial stiffness, making dietary nitrate a viable adjunctive treatment for hypertension.
Magnesium Supplementation
Magnesium supplementation has been associated with modest reductions in BP. A meta-analysis of 34 trials indicated that magnesium intake at a median dose of 368 mg/day for three months reduced SBP by 2.00 mmHg and DBP by 1.78 mmHg. The BP-lowering effect was linked to increased serum magnesium levels, suggesting that magnesium supplementation could be beneficial for BP management.
Taurine Supplementation
Taurine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, has shown potential in lowering BP and improving vascular function. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving prehypertensive individuals demonstrated that taurine supplementation significantly decreased both clinic and ambulatory BP. The antihypertensive effect was attributed to improved endothelial function and increased plasma hydrogen sulfide levels, indicating that taurine could be an effective treatment for prehypertension.
Conclusion
Various supplements, including herbal supplements, antioxidants, potassium, functional foods, dietary nitrate, magnesium, and taurine, have demonstrated efficacy in reducing blood pressure. These supplements can serve as adjunctive treatments alongside traditional antihypertensive therapies, offering a natural approach to managing hypertension. However, appropriate dosages and potential side effects should be carefully considered to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
