11.26.08
Indication: Blood pressure (in postmenopausal women)
Source: Hypertension, November 2008;52(5)847-55.
Research: As part of the Women's Health Initiative, researchers studied the effect of 1000 mg of calcium plus 400 IU vitamin D3 or placebo in women 50 to 79 years old. Each group consisted of 18,000 women. Changes in blood pressure and the incidence of hypertension were ascertained during a period of 7 years.
Results: According to researchers, there was no significant difference in the mean change over time in systolic blood pressure (0.22 mm Hg; -0.05 to 0.49 mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure (0.11 mm Hg; -0.04 to 0.27 mm Hg) between the active and placebo treatment groups. Therefore, they believe that calcium plus vitamin D does not reduce blood pressure or alter the risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension). It is important to note, however, that the lead investigator believes these findings do not represent the final answer on the benefits of calcium/vitamin D supplementation.