NEW YORK, Dec 23 (Reuters Health) -- Add lower blood pressure levels to
the long list of benefits derived from vitamin C, according to a report in this
week's issue of The Lancet.
In the new study of 45 people with high blood pressure (hypertension),
blood pressure levels fell by about 9.1% among those participants who consumed a
500-milligram supplement of vitamin C each day for a month. By comparison, blood
pressure dropped by 2.7% among study participants taking (inactive) placebo
pills.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading
cause of death in both men and women in the United States. Close to 50 million
Americans have high blood pressure.
Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, may lower blood pressure by protecting
the body's supply of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels,
contributing to healthy blood pressure levels, speculate the researchers from
Boston University School of Medicine in Massachusetts and the Linus Pauling
Institute at Oregon State University in Corvallis. Studies have also shown that
vitamin C may help protect against certain cancers and chest pain when consumed
as part of a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
In a written press release, study author Balz Frei, professor and director
of the Linus Pauling Institute, stated, "We believe this is a significant
finding that may be of considerable value to patients who have moderately
elevated blood pressure. Working with their doctors, it may provide a way to
bring their blood pressure back within acceptable levels without the cost or
possible side effects of prescription drugs."
Still, Frei and colleagues cautioned, larger studies are needed to
corroborate the new findings. The current recommended daily allowance for
vitamin C is 60 milligrams per day. The 500-mg dose taken by participants in the
new study did not have any unwanted side effects, the researchers note.
