Large amount of Vitamin C intake `may lower BP

Taking large doses of vitamin C can reduce blood pressure moderately, was a new study.

But researchers at Johns Hopkins University, suggested that invite people, except for additions.


"Our research suggests a modest blood pressure-lowering effect of vitamin C supplementation, but before supplements can be used to treat high blood pressure, what we really need more research, the consequences will understand they are recommended," Edgar "Pete" R. Miller III, who led the study said.

About 30 percent of adults in the United States has high blood pressure, or hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Successful treatment may include medicines, exercise, weight reduction and dietary changes such as reducing salt intake.

Some experts believe that large amounts of vitamin C, an essential trace element that is found mainly in fruits and vegetables, could reduce the pressure, but randomized controlled trials of dietary intervention, the gold standard of nutrition research - have produced mixed results.

Miller and colleagues evaluated data and analyzes reports from 29 randomized, controlled clinical studies published to date, the systolic and / or diastolic blood pressure values ​​and also compared intake of vitamin C with placebo.

What they found is that the average value of 500 milligrams of vitamin C per day - about five times the recommended daily requirement - reduced blood pressure by 3.84 mmHg in the short term. Among people diagnosed with high blood pressure, was the decline was about 5 millimeters of mercury.

By comparison, Miller said, patients, the blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors or diuretics can expect about 10 millimeters of mercury blood pressure reduction.

500 milligrams of vitamin C is the amount in about six cups of orange juice. The recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adults is 90 milligrams.

"Although our review showed only minor effects on blood pressure when the entire U.S. population of the blood pressure dropped to 3 millimeters of mercury, there would be much less a few strokes," said Miller.

The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.