Showing Results for High Blood Pressure
Product Reviews (40)
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CL Answers (133)
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Recalls & Warnings (441)
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8/06/2016
Some Supplements May Cause or Exacerbate Heart Failure (Includes vitamin E and many herbs)
Clinical Updates (64)
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5/15/2020
High Blood Pressure Risk With Too Much Folic Acid During Pregnancy
While it is important to take folate during pregnancy, a new study suggests that too much folic acid from supplements increases the risk of high blood pressure in mothers. See the details in the Folic Acid section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review.
Also see our Top Pick among prenatal vitamins, which provides adequate (but not too much) folic acid, in our Multivitamin and Multiminerals Supplements Review.
Also see our Top Pick among prenatal vitamins, which provides adequate (but not too much) folic acid, in our Multivitamin and Multiminerals Supplements Review.
11/06/2018
Flaxseed Oil for High Blood Pressure?
Does flaxseed oil (which is rich in the omega-3 fatty acid ALA) help lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure? Learn what a recent study found in the What It Does section of the Flaxseed Oil Review. (Also see our Top Picks for flaxseed and other seed oils.)
11/24/2018
Yogurt & High Blood Pressure
Higher consumption of yogurt was associated with a lower risk of developing high blood pressure in a recent analysis. Risk was further reduced when yogurt consumption was part of a particular, healthful diet. For details, see the Fermented Dairy Foods section of the Probiotic Supplements Review.
6/24/2014
Vitamin D May Help Lower Blood Pressure
A recent study in people with mild to moderate high blood pressure showed that taking a vitamin D supplement helped lower blood pressure. Subjects in the study were already taking a calcium channel blocker (nifedipine), but taking vitamin D reduced blood pressure by several additional points. For details, including the dose of vitamin D used, as well as our tests of vitamin D supplements which can provide this dose, see the updated Vitamin D Supplements Review (Including Calcium, Vitamin K, and Magnesium) >>
3/21/2015
Vitamin D for Blood Pressure?
Low levels of vitamin D in the blood are associated with high blood pressure. However, a recent review of many studies concludes that giving vitamin D doesn't help lower blood pressure. For more details about this and other potential uses of vitamin D, as well as our test-based reviews of products, see the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
3/28/2014
Fish Oil Lowers Blood Pressure
Fatty acids from fish and fish oil may reduce blood pressure, particularly in those with high blood pressure, according to a recently published review. For details, information about other uses of fish oil, and our tests of fish oil supplements, see the updated Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>
12/13/2016
Cocoa for High Blood Pressure?
A new study in which people with mild hypertension were given a cocoa beverage and dark chocolate daily for eight weeks found that it only helped lower blood pressure when people were taking certain blood pressure-lowering medications. For more details about this and other studies with cocoa and dark chocolate, as well as our tests and comparisons of products, see the "What It Does" section of the Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs & Supplements Review >>
5/20/2012
B Vitamin May Lower Blood Pressure
According to a new study, approximately 10% of the population is genetically prone to high blood pressure which may respond dramatically to a low dose of riboflavin (vitamin B-2). Read the update to the B Vitamin Supplements Review for details, including the dose used and amount of blood pressure reduction achieved. More >>
8/21/2020
Beetroot for High Blood Pressure?
Beetroot juice can lower blood pressure – but by how much? Learn what a recent study showed in our updated answer to the question: Can beetroot juice or supplements help lower my blood pressure?
1/10/2021
Magnesium, Niacin and Blood Pressure
Two studies this week showed the risk of high blood pressure to be lowest among people with adequate, but not excessive, dietary intakes of magnesium and niacin.
Also, see which foods are good sources of magnesium and, separately, good sources of niacin.
8/18/2013
Vitamin D for Hypertension?
Some studies have suggested a modest reduction in high blood pressure with vitamin D supplementation. However, a recent study did not find such a benefit - although a closer look reveals why these results may not tell the full story. Get the details, plus more information about vitamin D and cardiovascular health, and test results for 55 vitamin D supplements, in the updated Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
7/26/2014
Probiotics Lower Blood Pressure
Probiotics may help lower high blood pressure, especially when multiple strains are taken for a certain period of time, according to a new analysis. Get the details, as well as information about other uses for probiotics, in the updated Probiotic Supplements Review >>
10/09/2018
Can a B Vitamin Lower High Blood Pressure?
A common mutation of the MTHFR gene is associated with an increased risk of hypertension. A recent study tested whether supplementing with a specific B vitamin could reduce blood pressure in affected individuals. Get the results in the MTHFR section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among B vitamins.)
3/30/2019
Green Tea for Lowering Blood Pressure
Drinking green tea can help lower high blood pressure — and even reverse ventricular hypertrophy, according to a new study. For details, including the amount and brand of tea used, see the What It Does section of the Green Tea Review. Also see our Top Picks for green tea.
1/23/2019
Garlic and Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, a particular garlic supplement may provide some benefit, according to a recent study. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Garlic Supplements Review. Also see our top choices for garlic supplements.
6/09/2018
Magnesium & Metabolic Syndrome
A study shows that magnesium can significantly help some people suffering from metabolic syndrome (i.e., high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and related symptoms). Get the details in the What It Does section of the Magnesium Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among magnesium supplements.
2/16/2016
Fish Oil and Blood Pressure
As explained in our Fish Oil Review, fish oil supplements may not provide overall cardiovascular benefits — eating fish is better. However, a recent analysis found that a certain kind of fish oil may help people with high systolic blood pressure. For details, see the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplements Review >>
6/30/2013
Vitamin D & Depression
Women with depression and type 2 diabetes were given high-dose vitamin D for several weeks in a small, pilot study. By the end of the study, vitamin D levels in the blood had risen considerably and mood was significantly improved, as was blood pressure. Although just a pilot study, this is not the first study to suggest that vitamin D may help with depression. For more details, as well as test results and comparisons for 55 vitamin D supplements, see the updated Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
9/18/2020
Vitamin D for Failing Hearts?
Does high-dose vitamin D help or hurt people with chronic heart failure? Find out what a new study showed in the Cardiovascular Disease section of Vitamin D Supplements Review, which also discusses cholesterol, blood pressure and heart attack risk. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
4/30/2012
Vitamin C and Blood Pressure
Vitamin C supplements may modestly reduce blood pressure, particularly among people with elevated blood pressure, according to a review of the latest clinical studies. Get the details, as well as our tests of vitamin C supplements, in the updated Vitamin C Supplements Review. More >>
8/28/2020
Acetyl-L-carnitine + Alpha-Lipoic Acid for Lowering Blood Pressure?
We were recently asked if taking a combination of acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid can help lower blood pressure. Find out what research shows in the What It Does section of the Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplements Review. Also see our answer to the question: Which supplements can help to lower blood pressure?
10/31/2017
CoQ10 for Orthostatic Hypotension
CoQ10 may help reduce the fall in blood pressure that occurs in orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure upon standing) according to a recent report. See the details in the "What It Does" section of the CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements Review >> [Also see our Top Picks for CoQ10 supplements in the Review.]
9/13/2020
Low Vitamin D and Low Blood Pressure?
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with a form of low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension) in older men. Get the details in the What It Does section of Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
9/22/2020
Magnesium for Lowering Blood Pressure?
Can magnesium supplementation lower elevated blood pressure? Find out what a new study showed in the What It Does section of the Magnesium Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for magnesium supplements.
3/10/2021
Coconut Oil for Lowering Blood Pressure?
Can coconut oil lower blood pressure in people with mild hypertension? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of our Coconut Oil and MCT Oil Review. Also see our Top Picks among coconut and MCT oils.
5/04/2021
Grape Seed Extract for Blood Pressure?
Can grape seed extract lower blood pressure? See what a new study found in our article about the Health Benefits of Grape Seed Extract.
1/14/2022
Magnesium for Lowering Blood Pressure?
The FDA recently allowed supplements and foods that provide magnesium to make a claim regarding blood pressure reduction. But there is more to the story. Get the details in the What It Does section of the Magnesium Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among magnesium supplements.
7/13/2016
Magnesium Lowers Blood Pressure
Magnesium supplementation may help to lower blood pressure, but only in those who are deficient in the mineral, according to a new analysis. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Magnesium Supplements Review >>
8/22/2014
Flaxseed Lowers Blood Pressure
Consuming milled flaxseed significantly lowered blood pressure in people with peripheral arterial disease, according to a recent clinical trial. Additional analysis of those results suggests the alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) -- an omega-3 fatty acid -- in flaxseed may be responsible for the effect. Get the details, including the amount of flaxseed used, plus our tests of flaxseed, evening primrose, borage, and other seed oils containing ALA and GLA, in the updated Flaxseed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Borage Oil, and Black Currant Oil Supplements Review >>
3/15/2015
Folic Acid Reduces Risk of Stroke
A large study in people taking blood pressure-lowering medication found that the addition of a daily folic acid (vitamin B-9 or folate) supplement significantly reduced the chance of having a stroke. This benefit is most likely to occur among people whose blood levels of folate are low. More details, including dosage and ConsumerLab.com's test-based quality ratings of folic acid supplements, are found in the B Vitamin Supplements Review >>
12/10/2021
Magnesium for Metabolic Syndrome?
Can magnesium supplementation lower blood sugar and blood pressure in people with metabolic syndrome? Learn what a new study found in the What It Does section of the Magnesium Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among magnesium supplements.
10/20/2016
Vitamin D Sweet Spot
Having the right blood levels of vitamin D has many proven benefits, but too little and too much vitamin D can be problematic. A new study shows this also to be true in people with diabetes with regard to a type of nerve damage that can affect blood pressure and heart rate. For details see the "What It Does" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
1/11/2015
More Cocoa Benefits
A recently published study showed that hot cocoa made with a flavanol-enriched powder resulted in improvements in cognitive performance as well as reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol, and improved glucose metabolism. The study was conducted in people ages 65 to 80 who drank the cocoa each morning. More details, as well as our tests of cocoa powders, are found in the Cocoa and Dark Chocolate Review >>
1/18/2014
Green Tea "Blocks" Beta-Blocker
A new study shows that drinking green tea can drastically reduce the amount of a beta-blocker (nadolol, Corgard) absorbed into the bloodstream. Beta-blockers are typically taken to lower blood pressure, raising concern for people using green tea along with this beta-blocker and, possibly, related medications. Get the details, along with our tests of green tea drinks and supplements, in the update to the Green Tea Review >>
If you take a beta-blocker (which includes the popular drugs metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol) and propranolol (Inderal)), be aware that chromium and CoQ10 may offer benefits.
If you take a beta-blocker (which includes the popular drugs metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol) and propranolol (Inderal)), be aware that chromium and CoQ10 may offer benefits.
8/26/2020
Vitamin K & Heart Health
Can taking vitamin K supplements improve vascular stiffness or lower blood pressure in people with kidney disease? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Vitamin K Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin K.
1/06/2018
Vitamin D's Cardiovascular Effect
Taking vitamin D can improve aspects of cardiovascular function in certain situations, as shown in a recently published study. Get the details in the "Cardiovascular disease, blood pressure, and cholesterol" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among vitamin D supplements.)
12/14/2019
B12 & the Vegetarian
Vegetarians and vegans are susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency, which can be manifest by a range of health issues, including low blood pressure, as recently reported in an otherwise healthy young man. Learn more in the B12 section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick for vitamin B12.
12/03/2021
Peanuts for Obesity?
Can eating peanuts help manage weight, or reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels? Find out what a recent study found in our updated answer about Supplements and Weight Management.
9/25/2020
Vitamin D for Dizziness When Rising?
Can vitamin D reduce symptoms of orthostatic intolerance (low blood pressure when standing up)? Find out what a new study in adolescents showed in the What It Does section of Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
6/01/2021
Vitamin D for Orthostatic Hypotension?
Can supplementing with vitamin D reduce the risk of orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing)? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
2/10/2021
Energy Drinks and Blood Pressure
Which people are more likely to have cardiovascular side effects from energy drinks? Find out what a new study showed in the Energy Drinks & Shots section of our B Vitamins Supplements Review.
8/25/2013
Antioxidants: Too Much of a Good Thing?
A new, long-term study of Americans found the risk of dying over the course of the study (about 14 years) was lowest when antioxidant levels in the blood were above the lowest levels (the bottom 20% of the population). However, for people in the top 20% of blood levels for vitamins A and E, the risk of death increased compared to people with moderate levels. For selenium and beta-carotene, there was no significant difference in the death rate between moderate and high levels, although for vitamin C some additional benefit was seen at high, but not the highest, levels.
The results suggest that antioxidant supplements may be useful for those who are nutritionally deficient, but, as noted by the researchers, "beyond a certain threshold, higher levels do not lead to additional benefit, and may potentially be toxic." More details (including specific serum levels) are found in the linked updates to the following reviews, which include our test results and quality ratings of products:
7/17/2018
Lower Cancer Risk With High Vitamin D?
A recent analysis suggests that breast cancer risk is lowest with vitamin D blood levels at or above 60 ng/mL -- an unusually high level. Before you try this at home, be sure to read our commentary in the What It Does section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.)
5/22/2018
Hair & Nail Supplements Can Skew Lab Tests
There are reports of high-dose biotin (common in "hair and nail" supplements) causing false readings on blood tests. Be sure to tell your doctor if you're taking high-dose biotin. Get the details in the Biotin section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review.
8/19/2015
Cocoa Increases Blood Flow to Brain
A small study found that drinking a cocoa drink high in flavanols significantly increased blood flow to the brain, which, the researchers propose, might have potential cognitive benefits. Get the details, including dosage, plus more about cocoa and memory, and our tests of popular products, in the Cocoa Supplements and Dark Chocolate Review >>
2/12/2019
Vitamin C for Blood Sugar Control
High-dose vitamin C was found to help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes in a recent study. For details, see the What It Does section of the Vitamin C Supplements Review. Also see our latest Top Picks for vitamin C.
2/29/2020
Biotin May Skew Many Blood Tests
If you take a high-dose biotin supplement, be aware of the growing list of blood tests with which it may interfere. See the latest information in the Biotin section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review.
10/15/2019
Vitamin D & Blood Sugar Control
Maintaining moderate levels of vitamin D may aid blood sugar control, but, according to a recently published study, high-dose vitamin D supplementation may not help. For details, see the Diabetes, insulin resistance and glucose control section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
10/06/2020
CBD Interaction With Warfarin
High doses of CBD may affect blood clotting and require a dosage adjustment in people taking the blood thinner warfarin, as recently reported. Get the details and learn about other interactions with CBD in the Concerns and Cautions section of our CBD and Hemp Extract Review.
5/09/2011
Did you hear that DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid in fish oil) might raise the risk of prostate cancer?
This was recently in the news. Higher levels of DHA in the blood were associated with increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer. However, the findings do not mean that you should stop taking fish oil or eating fish. We talked with the researcher of this study and learned more. Get the facts in our Fish Oil Supplements Review. More >>
5/19/2013
Optimum Level of Vitamin D
New research shows that blood levels which are too low or too high for vitamin D are associated with increased risk of heart attack and earlier death. Find the "sweet spot" for vitamin D levels as well as test results for 55 vitamin D supplements in the updated Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
4/15/2015
Vitamin D and Statin-Related Muscle Pain
Taking high doses of vitamin D may reduce statin-related muscle pain in people with low blood levels of vitamin D, according to a new study. Get more information and our test reports on vitamin D supplements in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
5/02/2015
Too Much Vitamin D
A U.S. study showed a recent 26-fold increase in the percentage of people with excessive blood levels of vitamin D, driven by increased supplement use. Although acute toxic effects were rare, potential long-term risks exist with these high levels. See the details in Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
5/27/2015
Adding Vitamin D to Statin Treatment
A recent study among people taking statin medication for high cholesterol showed significant improvements in cholesterol levels when daily vitamin D was added as treatment. Improvements were greatest among those who began with lower blood levels of vitamin D. More details, along with our reviews of products similar to the one used in this study, are found in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
12/08/2016
Vitamin D Keeping You Up?
A study of women given daily doses of vitamin D found that those who achieved the highest blood levels of vitamin D experienced a deterioration in the quality of their sleep. This is consistent with an earlier study showing decreased production of melatonin with high-dose vitamin D. For details, see the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
1/10/2017
Potential Risk with High B-12
Among people who are malnourished, those with elevated vitamin B-12 levels in their blood were twice as likely to die when hospitalized as those with lower B-12 levels, according to a new study. The study authors suggest caution with inappropriate supplementation. For more details about the study, and vitamin B-12, see the B Vitamin Supplements Review >>
4/28/2017
Vitamin D for Muscle and Balance?
Why did a recent study show that both high and low-dose vitamin D didn't improve muscle strength or balance in women despite the fact that other studies have shown vitamin D to help? The likely answer has to do with the vitamin D status (i.e., blood levels) of the people chosen to participate in these studies. To find out what you should do to improve your balance and reduce your chance of falling, see the "Muscle, Balance and Falls" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
8/02/2016
Fish Oil Helps After Heart Attack
High-dose fish oil supplementation improved the heart's ability to pump blood in people recovering from a heart attack, a recent study found. Get the details in the "What It Does" section in our Fish Oil Supplements Review >>
9/01/2020
Folate & Memory
Older people with high blood levels of folate are more likely to perform worse on tests of memory and cognition unless they have sufficient levels of another B vitamin, according to a recent study. Get the details in the What It Does section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among B vitamin supplements.
8/13/2019
Vitamin D for Breast Cancer?
Some evidence suggests that having higher blood levels of vitamin D lowers the risk of breast cancer. Can very high-dose vitamin D slow tumor growth in women with breast cancer? See what a new study found in the Cancer section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D supplements.
12/05/2017
Biotin Interference With Vitamin D Test
Last week we reported that high doses of biotin (found in B complexes and hair and nail supplements) can interfere with certain blood tests. A study recently showed that biotin can also artificially inflate a test for vitamin D. Get the details in the "Biotin" section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review >>
5/18/2021
Fish Oil Interaction With Medication
High-dose fish oil can significantly increase blood levels of certain immunosuppressants, according to new research. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes information about other drug interactions with fish oil.
6/02/2013
Glucosamine May Increase Eye Pressure
New research suggests that people with glaucoma or intraocular hypertension could have worsening eye pressure if they take a glucosamine supplement. Get the details (along with our tests of glucosamine and other joint health supplements) in the updated Glucosamine/Joint Health Supplements Review >>
5/28/2019
Glucosamine & Eye Pressure
Glucosamine may increase eye pressure in people with glaucoma or intraocular hypertension. But does it have this effect in people who don't have these conditions? See what a new study found in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Joint Health Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for glucosamine and chondroitin.
News Releases (24)
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