Scientists from Johns Hopkins University recently found the benefits of high-dose supplementation of vitamin C to help reduce blood pressure. However, the researchers emphasize that these findings do not intend to encourage people to take vitamin supplements.
"Our research shows that vitamin C can affect blood pressure. But before we recommend vitamin C supplements as treatment for high blood pressure (hypertension), we still need more research to understand implications of the consumption of vitamin C supplements," says research leader, Edgar Pete R. Miller who published his findings in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
About 30 percent of adults in United States have high blood pressure (hypertension), which is become risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Successful treatment usually came from medication, exercise, weight loss, and dietary changes such as reducing intake of salt .
Some experts believe that high levels of vitamin C, an essential micro nutrient that is found mainly in fruits and vegetables, may lower blood pressure. But studies conducted showed mixed results.
In his research, Miller and his colleagues reviewed and analyzed data from 29 previous clinical trials that were randomly selected. The findings showed that volunteers who ate an average of 500 milligrams of vitamin C per day, reduced blood pressure 3.84 mmHg in short term. Even among those who diagnosed with hypertension, blood pressure reduction almost reach 5 mmHg.
Levels of 500 milligrams of vitamin C equivalent to six cups of orange juice. Meanwhile, the recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adults is 90 milligrams.
By comparison, Miller said, patients who take blood pressure-lowering drugs such as ACE inhibitors or diuretics, the blood pressure decreased about 10 millimeters of mercury.
"Although our findings only found a small effect on blood pressure reduction, but if the entire U.S. population can lower their blood pressure as much as 3 mm Hg, the risk of stroke will be much less," said Miller.
"Our research shows that vitamin C can affect blood pressure. But before we recommend vitamin C supplements as treatment for high blood pressure (hypertension), we still need more research to understand implications of the consumption of vitamin C supplements," says research leader, Edgar Pete R. Miller who published his findings in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
About 30 percent of adults in United States have high blood pressure (hypertension), which is become risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Successful treatment usually came from medication, exercise, weight loss, and dietary changes such as reducing intake of salt .
Some experts believe that high levels of vitamin C, an essential micro nutrient that is found mainly in fruits and vegetables, may lower blood pressure. But studies conducted showed mixed results.
In his research, Miller and his colleagues reviewed and analyzed data from 29 previous clinical trials that were randomly selected. The findings showed that volunteers who ate an average of 500 milligrams of vitamin C per day, reduced blood pressure 3.84 mmHg in short term. Even among those who diagnosed with hypertension, blood pressure reduction almost reach 5 mmHg.
Levels of 500 milligrams of vitamin C equivalent to six cups of orange juice. Meanwhile, the recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adults is 90 milligrams.
By comparison, Miller said, patients who take blood pressure-lowering drugs such as ACE inhibitors or diuretics, the blood pressure decreased about 10 millimeters of mercury.
"Although our findings only found a small effect on blood pressure reduction, but if the entire U.S. population can lower their blood pressure as much as 3 mm Hg, the risk of stroke will be much less," said Miller.
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