Under pressure: preventing hypertension with nutrients

Summary

• Hypertension, a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide 
• Research supports a number of nutrients, including vitamins E, D and C, may play a role in reducing the risk of hypertension developing  

The World Health Organization (WHO) rates hypertension as one of the most important causes of premature death worldwide, with an estimated 1.56 billion adults predicted to have high blood pressure by 2025.¹ World Hypertension Day on May 17 aims to raise awareness of the condition, and how it can be prevented and controlled. Among other approaches, such as exercise, research has shown that nutrients, including omega-3s eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), vitamin C, vitamin D and Fruitflow® can positively affect blood pressure.

Explaining hypertension 

High blood pressure – or hypertension – is defined as a systolic blood pressure at or above 140 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure at or above 90 mmHg. Systolic blood pressure is the maximum pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts, and diastolic blood pressure is the minimum pressure in the arteries between heart contractions. Hypertension places additional stresses on blood vessels, causing them to weaken or block. This can, in turn, lead to atherosclerosis, where the blood vessels narrow and become restricted – potentially causing blockages.²  

Hypertension is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which remains a significant concern for medical and scientific communities, as well as governments and consumers. In fact, it is the leading cause of death among men and women in the US.³ 

The role of nutrients 

A growing amount of research has shown that increasing intake of certain vital nutrients could form part of a practical risk reduction strategy for hypertension. While a well-balanced diet is the best way to address low nutrient levels, there are also market opportunities for fortified foods and dietary supplements to help fill nutritional gaps.  

EPA and DHA 

Studies have found that EPA can extend the benefits of statins in hypertensive patients.⁴ EPA and DHA supplementation also significantly reduced CVD risk among people with elevated serum triglycerides and/or LDL cholesterol. 

Vitamin D 

Suboptimal vitamin D status has been linked to arterial stiffness, which is a cause of hypertension. Research highlights hypertension risk reductions of up to 30% that have been observed in individuals with a sufficient vitamin D status, compared to those with an insufficient level.⁵ Very recent research reports the combination of low vitamin D and vitamin K status has also been linked with increased blood pressure and a greater risk of hypertension and may play a role in promoting cardiovascular health.⁶  

Vitamin C

Science shows a strong link between high vitamin C levels and the significant lowering of blood pressure.⁷ These beneficial effects of vitamin C are further supported by the improvement of vasodilation in individuals with CVD.

Fruitflow®  

A new study has shown that one daily capsule of Fruitflow® – a water soluble tomato extract – has beneficial effects on blood pressure. Several human studies showed that Fruitflow® contributes to a healthy blood flow, which can last for 12-18 hours after a single dose but it will last for at least 24 hours if taken continuously on a daily basis^.8 This makes it a key ingredient to be incorporated into functional foods or dietary supplements.