New research published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society suggests that vitamin D supplements may help lower blood pressure in older adults with obesity. However, exceeding the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) recommended daily intake of 600 International Units (IU) does not appear to provide additional health benefits.
Vitamin D deficiency is widespread globally and has been linked to various conditions, including heart disease, immune disorders, infections, and cancer. While some studies have associated vitamin D deficiency with an increased risk of hypertension, the evidence supporting the effectiveness of supplementation for improving blood pressure remains mixed.
“Our findings indicate that vitamin D supplementation can reduce blood pressure in specific groups, such as older adults, individuals with obesity, and potentially those with low vitamin D levels,” said Dr. Ghada El-Hajj Fuleihan of the American University of Beirut Medical Center. “However, higher doses of vitamin D beyond the IOM’s recommended daily amount did not yield additional benefits.”
The study followed 221 older adults with obesity over a year, comparing the effects of daily vitamin D doses of 600 IU versus 3,750 IU. Both groups experienced reductions in blood pressure, but the higher dose offered no extra advantages. Participants with obesity and those with initially low vitamin D levels showed the greatest improvement.
The research team included Maya Rahme and Hani Tamim of the American University of Beirut Medical Center, Laila Al-Shaar of Pennsylvania State University, and other collaborators. The study was supported by the Office of Dietary Supplements, the American University of Beirut’s University Research Board, the Saint Joseph University of Beirut, the National Council for Scientific Research, the Mayo Clinic, and the Odense University Hospital.
