Vitamins and minerals play a vital role in maintaining our overall health. In fact, inadequate levels of any nutrient can disrupt various functions in the body. For instance, vitamin D deficiency, which occurs when you don’t have enough vitamin D in the body, can cause a number of health problems, including loss of bone density, which can in turn contribute to osteoporosis and fractures. Additionally, studies have linked low levels of vitamin D to unexplained high blood pressure, or hypertension, which is one of the leading risk factors for heart diseases.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Basavaraj S Kumbar, Consultant - Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, explains whether or not the association is accurate and also shares other common complications of vitamin D deficiency.
Also Read: Protein-Rich Foods That Help Reduce Your Risk Of High Blood Pressure or Hypertension
The Link Between High Blood Pressure And Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency occurs when you either do not get enough vitamin D from sun exposure or if your body does not absorb enough of the ‘sunshine’ vitamin from foods.
On the other hand, high blood pressure is a chronic condition that occurs when the force of blood against the artery wall is consistently high.
While there may seem to be no direct relationship between the two conditions, studies have suggested a possible connection between the two.
According to a 2020 peer-reviewed article published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers analysed existing studies around the link between vitamin D deficiency and high blood pressure and found that people with very low vitamin D levels (below 75 nmol/L) were more likely to have high blood pressure. However, the study noted that while giving vitamin D supplements increased vitamin D levels in the body, it did not lower blood pressure.
Another study published in the journal Cureus reported that a 10% increase in genetically determined levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, which is the main way we measure vitamin D in the body, was associated with an 8.1% decrease in the risk of developing hypertension. However, researchers noted that the findings were observational and don't confirm that giving vitamin D supplements would have the same effect.
Shedding light on the association, Dr Kumbar says, “Vitamin D plays a role in maintaining the flexibility and elasticity of blood vessels.” This is why a vitamin D deficiency can cause the blood vessels to become tight and inflexible and lead to decreased flow, resulting in high blood pressure.
However, the doctor adds that it remains unclear whether this connection between low levels of vitamin D and high blood pressure is direct or if there are other factors involved, which we don’t know about until now.
Also Read: What Happens When You Ignore Low Vitamin D Levels?
How To Identify Vitamin D Deficiency
There are many ways to identify a vitamin D deficiency. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Weak muscles
- Body aches
- Increased instances of broken bones
- Frequent infections or illnesses
However, in certain cases, there are no obvious symptoms, says Dr Kumar, who then recommends a blood test that can help determine the body's 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and can verify a deficit.
“See a doctor who will do the tests and provide appropriate advice if you believe you may be experiencing any of the symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency or if you feel ill frequently for any other cause,” he advises.
Vitamin D Deficiency Screening
According to the doctor, vitamin D screening frequency is influenced by age, health, and sun exposure, among other things.
In general, being tested is advised if you have risk factors for the deficiency, such as dark skin, little sun exposure, or specific medical conditions.
“Depending on your particular circumstances, your healthcare practitioner can help you decide how frequently you should get checked,” he adds.
How To Increase Vitamin D Levels
Vitamin D levels can be enhanced with the help of nutrient-rich food intake. While sun exposure is the best way to increase vitamin D levels in the body, eating foods high in fat, such as eggs, dairy products like milk and yoghurt, and mushrooms, can benefit tremendously, according to Dr Kumbar.
However, the doctor advises against consuming canned tuna and frozen salmon.
In case all these measures do not work, he advises taking certain medications prescribed by a doctor.