Vitamin D Deficiency Can Trigger Hypertension

nutraMetrix Isotonix Vitamin D with K2

 
London: Findings of a large-scale genetic study suggest that vitamin D deficiency can trigger hypertension among people.

Researchers say the results of the D-CarDia collaboration -- world's largest study to examine the causal association between vitamin D and hypertension -- provide a strong case for food fortification with vitamin D in order to prevent some kinds of cardiovascular disease.

Although observational studies have already shown this link, a large-scale genetic study was necessary before the cause and effect could be proven.

The findings will be presented by Vimal Karani S. from the Institute of Child Health, University College London at the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) in Paris on Tuesday.

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.

"We knew from earlier observational studies that low 25(OH)D concentrations were likely to be associated with increases in blood pressure and hypertension, but correlation is not causality," Vimal Karani says.

"Additionally, randomised controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation in humans have produced inconsistent effects on cardiovascular outcomes. The whole picture was somewhat confused, and we decided to try to figure it out once and for all," the researcher adds.

The researchers used genetic variants known as single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs, as proxy markers to reflect individual's vitamin D status in order to test for a causal association with blood pressure and hypertension, reports a daily.

When the results were analysed, they found a significant link. For every 10 percent increase in 25(OH)D concentrations, there was a 8.1 percent decrease in the risk of developing hypertension.

Top 5 supplements for seniors

While in Las Vegas last week, my wife and I (owners of OrlampaHealth.com) presented an "Eat Well, Exercise, and Supplement Intelligently" seminar and we discussed the health benefits of all five of these supplements. I believe this is a very valuable listing!

By DR. PAMELA LANGENDERFER 

Seniors tend to have special health needs. As you age not only does your body change but so does your nutrient needs. Elderly adults usually eat less food and absorb fewer nutrients than their younger counterparts, therefore many seniors end up depleted in certain nutrients.

While no pill or supplement can replace a balanced diet of whole unprocessed foods, many chronic health issues can be addressed with the right supplements.

Here are 5 supplements to consider for the Senior population.

1) Organic Virgin Coconut Oil - You can prevent and potentially reverse dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and many other neurodegenerative disorders by eating coconut related foods Just make sure it's pure organic virgin coconut oil. Avoid any hydrogenated oil, including hydrogenated coconut oil, because hydrogenated oils are the same thing as trans fats which are pro inflammatory and promote disease.

2) Vitamin D - Vitamin D helps promote good bone health by facilitating the absorption of calcium into your teeth and bones. Healthy levels of vitamin D have been linked with a decreased risk for certain cancers specifically breast and prostate cancer, and a reduction in the symptoms of depression. Things that inhibit the body's ability to absorb vitamin D include: being over age 50, overweight, or lactose intolerant. Those suffering from celiac or Crohn's disease may also have trouble absorbing the vitamin.

3) Fish Oil - The list of benefits from fish oil is long. For Seniors fish oil can help to improve depression, memory, focus, vision, pain and inflammation. It can also lower triglyceride levels. A therapeutic dose is 2 to 4g of EPA and DHA, I find most people are usually not taking enough. Fish oil is safe for most people except those on blood thinning medications.

4) B12 - B12 deficiency can cause problems with balance, fatigue, anemia, numbness, and confusion. It can even lead to a form of dementia. Seniors need more vitamin B12 because, as a person ages, they lose their ability to effectively absorb the B12 found in food sources. This absorption problem is a condition called atrophic gastritis. When the condition develops, the stomach no longer secretes enough hydrochloric acid, which in turn means it cannot absorb enough vitamin B-12. Vitamin B12 depletion is intensified in people who are using stomach-acid controlling drugs.

5) CoQ10 - CoQ10 is one of the more universal substances found in the human body. Every cell has some amount of the enzyme, which is essential for cell repair and growth. It is also an antioxidant, provides protection to both skeletal and heart muscles, lowers blood pressure, and helps fatigue. It has also been shown to help with Parkinson's disease. Statin medications can decrease the amount of CoQ10 in the body which can contribute to muscle pain, therefore it is important to supplement with CoQ10 in anyone who is on a statin lowering drug.

Dr. Pamela Langenderfer is a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist. She is the co owner of Lakeside Holistic Health, PLLC with locations in Liberty Lake, Wash., and Coeur d'Alene.