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High blood pressure is a common issue. A person can reduce their blood pressure by following a healthful diet, exercising, and avoiding smoking. Can taking dietary supplements, including vitamins, minerals, or herbs, also help?
According to the
Having hypertension increases a person’s risk of heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes.
Leading a healthful lifestyle can reduce blood pressure. This
According to some sources, natural treatments and dietary supplements can help reduce hypertension. Do these supplements work, and are they safe?
In this article, we investigate the research into supplements for lowering blood pressure, exploring their effectiveness, risks, and alternatives.
Some evidence suggests that certain supplements could help lower blood pressure. However, most of the relevant studies have been of low quality or included small sample sizes.
Doctors do not routinely recommend supplements for hypertension. According to
The AHA recommend talking to a doctor before taking any supplement to lower blood pressure because supplements may not work as advertised, and some can raise blood pressure.
The following sections look at the evidence behind some common supplements that people take to reduce high blood pressure.
Potassium is a mineral that plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. When too much salt, or sodium, in food increases a person’s blood pressure, potassium clears the sodium from the body.
Sodium causes high blood pressure because it stops the kidneys from removing water from the body efficiently. Carrying excess water leads to a hike in blood pressure.
Potassium helps reduce blood pressure in
Authors of a 2017 review of studies report that potassium supplements could help decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
The effect was strongest in people who had high-sodium diets, people who had a low intake of potassium before the study, and people who were not taking blood pressure medication.
However, potassium supplements can be harmful for people with kidney disorders. As with any supplement, it is a good idea to consult a doctor before trying a potassium supplement.
The
Magnesium is another mineral that plays an important role in regulating blood pressure. It supports many processes in the body, including muscle and nerve function, the immune system, and protein synthesis.
Authors of a
The recommended dietary allowance of magnesium for adults is
According to the
Foods rich in magnesium include:
Dietary fiber is important for keeping the heart and gut healthy. Eating enough dietary fiber can help lower:
A
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend consuming 25 grams of fiber per day and note that most people in the U.S. do not eat this amount.
Adding plenty of healthful high-fiber foods to the diet can help, and fiber supplements can be a good alternative.
High blood pressure can be particularly harmful during pregnancy, when doctors call it gestational hypertension. If a woman does not receive treatment for this issue, it can lead to complications such as preeclampsia, stroke, preterm delivery, and low birth weight.
A 2018 study found that taking supplements containing folic acid lessened the risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.
Folic acid is a B vitamin, and getting enough of this vitamin during pregnancy can help prevent birth abnormalities. The
Many prenatal vitamins contain folic acid, which is also available as a standalone supplement.
In people who are not pregnant, researchers have yet to determine whether folic acid has any effect on high blood pressure.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a natural substance that occurs in the body and plays an important role in cell chemistry. It helps the cells produce energy.
Some scientists believe that this supplement can reduce blood pressure by acting as an antioxidant and preventing fatty deposits from forming in the arteries.
However, according to the
A
According to the
The authors note, however, that evidence for the effects of these supplements is limited, and they may lower blood pressure only slightly, if at all.
People should be wary of any claim that a supplement can significantly lower high blood pressure.
Supplements are not regulated by the FDA, and their quality and contents can vary.
Speak to a doctor before taking any dietary supplement. Some can have adverse effects and may interact with medications, including those for high blood pressure.
A doctor can advise about possible benefits and side effects, and they may recommend a more reliable brand.
A person with hypertension will benefit from avoiding substances that can
In most cases, high blood pressure is preventable and controllable. People can often manage their blood pressure by:
If these changes are not enough, a doctor may recommend taking medication that will help reduce high blood pressure.
Learn more about natural ways to lower blood pressure here.
High blood pressure is a common issue. Some scientific evidence suggests that certain supplements, including potassium, magnesium, and folic acid, could lower blood pressure.
However, official organizations recommend lifestyle changes and, when appropriate, antihypertension medication instead.
Talk to a doctor before taking any nutritional supplements.
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The supplements in this article are available to purchase over the counter. People can choose from a range of products in drug stores, health stores, and online.
Last medically reviewed on January 16, 2020
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