Vitamins are organic compounds used by the body for a variety of metabolic processes. Although essential for many vital functions, people with health conditions such as high blood pressure needs to avoid taking certain vitamin supplements and herbs.
Who needs vitamin supplements?
Although vitamin supplements are designed to mimic naturally occurring vitamins, they may not be in the exact chemical composition of how they are received through diet. Researchers believe it is better to get vitamins from the diet itself except for vitamins such as folate, which gets better absorbed by the body through supplements than through food.
However, many people may not get adequate vitamins from their normal diet, and they might need to take supplements. This includes pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, people who consume more than recommended doses of alcohol, drug users and the elderly. People who are on crash diets, or patients with food allergies and malabsorption issues such as diarrhea, cystic fibrosis, and celiac disease might also need to take vitamin supplements.
How do vitamins affect blood pressure?
Hypertension or high blood pressure occurs when the pressure of blood pumping against the artery walls is higher than normal levels.
Research has shown that many vitamins can increase blood pressure either by directly affecting the cardiovascular system or by even interfering with blood pressure medicines. Certain supplements such as coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) and melatonin have antihypertensive effects, that can help lower blood pressure levels.
Hence, it is essential to discuss with a healthcare provider before starting vitamin supplements, especially for people who suffer from hypertension or patients who are on blood thinning or any other medications.
Vitamins and herbs to avoid when you have hypertension
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