Daily vitamin C can reduce high blood pressure by as much as 9.1%. Such a significant drop could help people with mild to moderate hypertension reduce or even eliminate their need for medication.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine and Oregon State University in Corvallis gave 39 healthy-but-hypertensive people a daily dose of either 500 milligrams (mg) of C or a placebo, while they continued taking blood pressure medication. After 1 month, those taking vitamin C saw their systolic blood pressure (the first number in the reading, measuring peak force in blood vessels during a heartbeat) drop from 155 to 142. Diastolic pressure (the pressure between heartbeats) fell from 87 to 79 (The Lancet, Dec 11, 1999). (Normal pressure is 140/90 or below.)
Vitamin C may help by improving the function of nitric oxide, a compound that occurs naturally in the body and prompts blood vessels to relax and dilate, says researcher Balz Frei, PhD, professor and director of the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. If you have mild to moderate hypertension, here*s how to make the most of C:
Work with your doctor.
Vitamin C may allow people with moderate hypertension (not higher than
160/901 to rein in blood pressure without the cost or potential side effects of
medication. Or it may help you lower your dose. (Never reduce or stop taking
your medication without your doctor*s
approval.)
Use the study dose.
The 500-mg daily dose exceeds the recommended daily intake of 60 mg, but it*s
still within the safety zone, says Dr. Frei. For best results, take 250 mg in
the morning and at night.
Keep eating fruits and veggies.
C-rich produce such as oranges, red bell
peppers, and kale contains other health-promoting compounds too. Or skip the
supplement and aim for five to nine servings of C-packed produce daily to reach
your 500-mg quota.
by Diane Kozak
Prevention June 2000 Page 40