Influenceof Vitamin D, C, Potassium and Sodium Levels on Patients with Arterial Hypertension

Abstract

Background: This paper delves into the intricate relationship between micronutrients and blood pressure in hypertension, a leading disease in terms of morbidity and mortality worldwide that is becoming increasingly common as age progresses. Since the global burden of acquiring hypertension is on the rise, discussions about possible solutions for this preventable disease have gained topicality in medicine. This includes the incorporation of non-pharmaceutical agents to achieve holistic care of the patient, enhancing their overall quality of life and taking a step towards optimal health and well-being. Aim: to gain a better understanding of current research on the effects of five micronutrients on hypertension, mainly sodium, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and D. Objectives and Methods: To analyze the effect that sodium, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin D have on blood pressure regulation and evaluate the clinical efficacy of treatment with oral or dietary supplementation in patients with hypertension. A systematic review of articles in electronic databases was performed, including databases such as EBSCO host, Mendeley, and PubMed. Articles published between 1990-2024 were reviewed and narrowed down using the following keywords: (“hypertension”) and (“sodium” or “potassium” or “magnesium” or “vitamin C” or “vitamin D”). Results: Sodium raises blood pressure, impairs endothelial function, and increases cardiovascular risk. Reduction of sodium intake leads to reduced blood pressure. Potassium promotes vasodilation and shows promising antihypertensive activity, but the exact dose-response relationship remains unclear and its impact on mortality needs further study. Magnesium induces vasodilation, reduces oxidative stress, and regulates ion movement to lower blood pressure yet its effects on blood pressure have not been determined and currently suggest a potential causal relationship on blood pressure reduction. Vitamin C maintains vasodilation and reduces blood pressure at the dose of 500 mg/day in hypertensive patients. Vitamin D influences certain systems of blood pressure regulation, but its exact mechanism remains unclear and studies on the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation remain inconclusive warranting the need for further research. Conclusions: To reduce blood pressure, sodium intake should be kept at a minimal level. Vitamin C supplementation is recommended in hypertensive patients. Further research needs to be done to draw reliable conclusions about the effects of potassium, magnesium and vitamin D in hypertension.