A research data from University College London indicates that vitamin D deficiency is directly linked to hypertension.

The findings are part of a recent global study by an Indian researcher Dr  Vimal Karani S from University College London showing that vitamin D deficiency is directly linked to hypertension. Administering vitamin D to older adults with existing high BP caused both the systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure to decrease. Thus, those with high BP and low vitamin D levels will benefit from an increase in the vitamin D level.

One out of five persons in India suffers from hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension is one of the most common lifestyle diseases. Karani presented the findings at the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) in Paris.

According to Dr Karani, it is confirmed that low levels of vitamin D could trigger hypertension. Although observational studies have already shown this link, a large-scale genetic study was necessary before the cause and effect could be proven. The research data, involving 35 studies, over 155,000 individuals, and numerous centres in Europe and North America, showed that those with high concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) had reduced blood pressure and, therefore, a reduced risk of hypertension.

To measure the individuals' vitamin D status and test for an association with blood pressure, the researchers used genetic variations called single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs as proxy markers. For every 10 per cent increase in 25(OH)D concentrations the researchers noted the risk of developing hypertension decreased by 8.1 per cent.

“Our study strongly suggests that some cases of cardiovascular disease could be prevented through vitamin D supplements or food fortification,” said Dr Karani.

Supporting the findings of this study, Dr Siddharth N Shah, editor in chief, JAPI (Journal of the Association of the Physicians of India), said “Vitamin D deficiency and hypertension are highly prevalent. In India, over 80 per cent of population are vitamin D deficient and the incidence of hypertension is one in five and therefore this study holds a lot of importance. The association of lower levels of vitamin D and high blood pressure, in part, can be associated with increasing number of hypertensives in India.”

Dr Shah who is also the chairman of Epidemiology Committee of the Hypertension Society of India is of the opinion that vitamin D deficiency awareness is required among Indians to counter the growing epidemic of several metabolic diseases like hypertension and diabetes.