Vitamin D Is Not Linked to Low Blood Pressure in Older Adults

An Irish study in Hypertension demonstrated that vitamin D is not connected to low blood pressure on orthostatic hypotension (OH) in older adults, reports Medical Xpress . More than 30 percent of older adults are estimated to have OH, which is a significant drop in blood pressure when standing. "In the older Irish population we see no association," says Trinity College's Eamon Laird. "This is important as it is essential to know what is and is not associated with vitamin D when trying to devise and recommend intakes for the population based on health outcomes." The researchers found older adults with vitamin D deficiency were more likely to smoke, take high blood pressure medication, and have higher levels of cardiovascular disorders versus subjects with sufficient vitamin D status. Moreover, participants with low vitamin D status were no more likely to have OH than those with normal levels. The use of vitamin D supplements also was not associated with OH.