Supplements to reduce high blood pressure
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Supplements to Reduce High Blood Pressure
Herbal Supplements for Blood Pressure Reduction
Herbal supplements rich in phenolic compounds have shown promising results in reducing blood pressure. 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 both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The general effect size for systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significant (d = 1.45, p < 0.05), as well as for diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (d = 0.31, p < 0.05). However, it is crucial to monitor the dosage to avoid potential digestive side effects.
Antioxidant Supplementation
Antioxidants have been associated with blood pressure reduction. A study involving 40 subjects demonstrated that a combination of antioxidants, including zinc sulphate, ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, and beta-carotene, significantly reduced systolic blood pressure in both hypertensive and normotensive individuals. The reduction was attributed to increased nitric oxide availability, which helps in vasodilation.
Vitamins and Minerals
Several vitamins and minerals have been studied for their potential to lower blood pressure. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that calcium and magnesium significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Specifically, calcium reduced SBP/DBP by 1.37/1.63 mm Hg, and magnesium by 2.79/1.56 mm Hg. Vitamin E and potassium also showed significant reductions in SBP, but vitamins C and D did not significantly affect blood pressure. Another meta-analysis confirmed that magnesium supplementation at a median dose of 368 mg/day for three months significantly reduced SBP by 2.00 mm Hg and DBP by 1.78 mm Hg.
Dietary Nitrate
Dietary nitrate, particularly from beetroot juice, has been shown to provide sustained blood pressure reduction. A randomized controlled trial with 68 hypertensive patients found that daily supplementation with dietary nitrate significantly reduced clinic, ambulatory, and home blood pressure. The mean reduction in clinic BP was 7.7/2.4 mm Hg, and 24-hour ambulatory BP was reduced by 7.7/5.2 mm Hg. Another study in Tanzanian adults confirmed these findings, showing significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure after 60 days of high-nitrate beetroot juice supplementation.
Lactotripeptides
Lactotripeptides (LTP) derived from casein have also been effective in reducing blood pressure. A meta-analysis of 30 randomized controlled trials found that LTP significantly reduced systolic blood pressure by 2.95 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.51 mm Hg. The effect was more pronounced in Japanese studies compared to European ones.
Phytochemicals and Botanical Extracts
A combination of isolated phytochemicals and botanical extracts, including grape seed and skin, green tea, resveratrol, quercetin, ginkgo biloba, and bilberry, has been shown to reduce diastolic blood pressure. A study involving hypertensive subjects found a significant reduction in diastolic pressure by 4.4 mm Hg after supplementation, likely due to enhanced nitric oxide production.
Ineffectiveness of Vitamin D
Despite the association between low vitamin D levels and high blood pressure, supplementation with vitamin D has not been effective in reducing blood pressure. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 46 trials found no significant effect of vitamin D supplementation on either systolic or diastolic blood pressure.
Conclusion
Various supplements, including herbal supplements, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, dietary nitrate, lactotripeptides, and phytochemicals, have shown potential in reducing high blood pressure. However, the effectiveness varies, and some supplements, like vitamin D, do not appear to be effective. It is essential to consider the appropriate dosage and potential side effects when using these supplements for blood pressure management.
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