High blood pressure linked to vitamin D deficiency

Added 03.02.2009

Thanks to all the research being done on vitamin D, we are beginning to understand just how crucial this nutrient is. We knew that vitamin D was vital for the development and maintenance of healthy bones; now, there is evidence that vitamin D deficiency is related to high blood pressure.

Vitamin D, an underestimated nutrient

As incredible as it may sound, as much as 60 percent of the Northern hemisphere is deficient in vitamin D. This is due to the lack of sunshine and as you already know our main source for this vitamin is from the sun. However, when we do go out in the sun we generously slather on sunscreen and this only hinders our vitamin D production from the sun's beneficial rays.

Is it that important if we don't get enough vitamin D?

Absolutely. It's not just about keeping your bones and teeth strong and healthy; studies are proving time and again that vitamin D is vital for overall health. It has been linked to the prevention of certain cancers, autoimmune diseases and macular degeneration, and is known to improve psoriasis significantly. New research on vitamin D also suggests that deficiency results in an increased risk of high blood pressure.

Vitamin D regulates blood pressure

A study published in the American Heart Association Journal has found that people who were deficient in vitamin D had a 47 percent increased risk of developing high blood pressure - other causes of high blood pressure being accounted for - compared to individuals who had adequate levels of the vitamin.

A number of scientists believe that vitamin D plays a role in regulating tissues of the heart and blood vessels, which contain many vitamin D receptors. They have yet to find out exactly how these receptors function but the evidence that vitamin D is related to high blood pressure cannot be ignored.

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Dr. Bo Nielsen's comments:

This study once again shows how important it is to get sufficient amounts of basic nutrients - in this case vitamin D - in order to stay healthy. There is no doubt that more than 60% of us are deficient in vitamin D, especially during wintertime. According to some researchers, it is necessary to be exposed to sunshine 15 to 20 minutes a day all year and without sunscreen in order to produce sufficient amounts of protective vitamin D. If this is difficult for you, an alternative could be to take extra vitamin D from a supplement.

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