Vitamins and minerals play an important role in maintaining our overall health. In fact, insufficient levels of any nutrient can disrupt various functions of the body. For example, a lack of vitamin D in the body can lead to vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to a number of health problems including decreased bone density, which can lead to osteoporosis and bone fractures. Additionally, research has linked low vitamin D levels to unexplained high blood pressure, one of the major risk factors for heart disease.
In my interactions with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr. Basavaraj S Kumbar, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Astor Whitefield Hospital, Bangalore We discuss whether this association is accurate and also discuss other common complications of vitamin D deficiency.
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Relationship between high blood pressure and vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency occurs when you don’t get enough vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, or when your body doesn’t absorb enough of the “sunshine” vitamin from food.
Hypertension, on the other hand, is a chronic disease that occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is constantly high.
Although there may not seem to be a direct relationship between the two conditions, research suggests that there may be a link between the two conditions.
According to a 2020 peer-reviewed paper published by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Researchers analyzed existing research on the link between vitamin D deficiency and high blood pressure and found that people with very low vitamin D levels (less than 75 nmol/L) were more likely to develop high blood pressure. However, this study points out that while vitamin D supplements increase vitamin D levels in the body, they do not lower blood pressure.
Another study published in a journal Creus reported that a 10% increase in genetically determined levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the main way to measure vitamin D in the body, reduced the risk of developing hypertension by 8.1%. However, the researchers noted that the study results were observational and did not confirm whether administering vitamin D supplements would have the same effect.
Dr. Kumbar sheds light on this link, saying, “Vitamin D plays a role in maintaining blood vessel flexibility and elasticity.” This is why a lack of vitamin D can make your blood vessels stiffer and less flexible, reducing blood flow and causing high blood pressure.
However, the doctor added that it remains unclear whether the relationship between low vitamin D levels and high blood pressure is direct or whether other factors, so far unknown, are involved.
Also read: What happens if you ignore low vitamin D levels?
How to identify vitamin D deficiency
There are many ways to identify vitamin D deficiency. Common symptoms include:
However, there may be no obvious symptoms, says Dr. Kumar, who then recommends a blood test to measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in the body and help confirm a deficiency.
“If you think you have symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, or if you frequently feel unwell due to other causes, please see a doctor who can test you and give you appropriate advice,” he says. I’ll give you some advice.
Screening for vitamin D deficiency
Doctors say the frequency of vitamin D screening is influenced by age, health, and sun exposure, among other things.
In general, it’s a good idea to get tested if you have risk factors for a deficiency, such as darker skin, less sun exposure, or certain medical conditions.
“Your doctor will help you decide how often you need to be tested depending on your specific situation,” he added.
How to increase vitamin D levels
Vitamin D levels can be increased by eating nutrient-dense foods. Dr. Kumbar says that while exposure to sunlight is the best way to boost vitamin D levels in your body, eating fatty foods like eggs, dairy products like milk and yogurt, and mushrooms can have a big impact.
However, doctors advise against consuming canned tuna and frozen salmon.
If all these measures fail, he advises taking certain medications prescribed by your doctor.
