Vitamin D Supplementation Decreases Blood Pressure in Older Overweight People, Research Suggests

A new study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society suggests that vitamin D supplementation may help reduce blood pressure in specific groups, such as older adults and those with obesity. However, taking more than the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) recommended dose did not appear to offer additional health benefits. Conducted by researchers at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, the study focuses on the potential cardiovascular benefits of vitamin D, particularly for those with conditions that elevate health risks.

According to the study, vitamin D deficiency is widespread and has been linked to increased risks of heart disease, immune-related diseases, infections, and some cancers. Though previous studies have associated vitamin D deficiency with higher hypertension risk, findings on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on blood pressure have been inconclusive. This new research provides more clarity by examining the effects of vitamin D in specific subgroups.

“Our study found vitamin D supplementation may decrease blood pressure in specific subgroups such as older people, people with obesity, and possibly those with low vitamin D levels,” explained Ghada El-Hajj Fuleihan, MD, MPH, lead researcher and professor at the American University of Beirut Medical Center.

The IOM recommends 600 International Units (IU) of vitamin D per day for most adults. In this study, 221 older adults with obesity were given either 600 IU/day or a significantly higher dose of 3,750 IU/day over a year. The researchers observed a reduction in blood pressure among participants across both groups, with individuals who had obesity and low initial vitamin D levels experiencing the most noticeable benefits. However, the study confirmed that the higher dose did not produce superior outcomes compared to the standard 600 IU/day.

The study’s findings underscore the importance of targeted vitamin D supplementation, especially for older adults with obesity who may be at risk for hypertension.