Micronutrients can naturally reduce blood pressure levels

High blood pressure (hypertension) causes damage to the blood vessels which in the long term leads to calcification of the arteries. Certain types of micronutrients, such as magnesium, potassium, and vitamin D regulate and help reduce blood pressure levels. This often means that the dosage of blood pressure lowering medications can be reduced and also reduces the risk of further damage to the blood vessels. Find out all you need to know about micronutrient medicine and blood pressure here.

Blood pressure is the pressure that the blood applies to the blood vessels. When the blood pressure levels are too high this is known as hypertension. There are many possible causes: being overweight, alcohol, smoking, stress and lack of physical exercise. High blood pressure can also develop during pregnancy .

There are two values which determine blood pressure: The systolic and the diastolic value. A healthy blood pressure is 120 over 80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

There are few outwardly visible symptoms. Symptoms such as headaches, vertigo (dizziness) and restlessness are possible. High blood pressure often goes undiscovered, and this is exactly what makes it so dangerous.  Especially when other risk factors, such as high cholesterol and diabetes are present, the vascular system can suffer damage. The results are arteriosclerosis, stroke, or heart disease, such as coronary heart disease and heart failure. In the long-term, high blood pressure damages the kidneys, eyes, and even the brain.

The aim is to achieve a permanent normalization of the blood pressure levels. Doctors urgently recommend a change in lifestyle. If overweight, weight loss is advisable but you should also abstain from smoking and consuming alcohol. Regular physical exercise is also beneficial. If these measures do not lead to a sufficient reduction in blood pressure levels, your doctor will prescribe medication:

Diuretic medication increases the amount of excess water expelled through the kidneys. This causes a reduction of the blood fluid levels and blood pressure begins to fall. A type of medication for the treatment of high blood pressure is hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), for example Disalunil®.

Betablockers act by blocking the cardiac docking receptors for blood pressure-increasing chemical messenger substance, for example, stress hormones. You can recognize betablockers by the fact that the active pharmaceutical ingredient name ends in "olol", for example Bisoprolol (Concor®) and Metoprolol (Beloc®).

ACE inhibitors stop the production of the high pressure-causing hormone angiotensin II. This hormone is normally responsible for keeping the blood vessels narrow and increasing the pressure in the blood vessels. This type of blood pressure medication includes Ramipril (Altace®), Captopril (Capoten®) or Enalapril (Vasotec®). All these active pharmaceutical ingredients end with "pril".

Angiotensin receptor blockers act by blocking the cardiac docking receptors for the blood pressure-increasing hormone angiotensin II. These are known as sartans. They are recognizable by the fact that all the active pharmaceutical ingredient names end in "sartan", for example, Candesartan (Candecor®), Losartan (Lorzaar®) or Valsartan (Diovan®).

Calcium antagonists dilate the blood vessel to ensure that there is more room for the blood to pass through which lowers blood pressure. Examples of active pharmaceutical ingredients in calcium antagonists are Amlodipine (Norvasc®), Nimodipine (Nimotop®) and Verapamil (Isoptin®).

Micronutrients can naturally reduce blood pressure levels. A healthy and balanced diet is important to achieve this. Vitamins and minerals promote the dilation of the blood vessels and improve the flow properties of the blood. This delays the start of treatment with blood-lowering medication or even makes medication unnecessary.

The correct administration of certain types of micronutrients can also reduce the risk of secondary diseases. Antioxidants protect the blood vessels from further damage. Micronutritionists normally recommend a multisupplement product which contains several different types of antioxidants.

The response rate to magnesium can vary greatly from patient to patient: On average, 400 milligrams of magnesium per day will reduce the systolic value by up to 4 millimeters of mercury and the diastolic value by up to 3 millimeters of mercury. In a different study, 370 milligrams of magnesium led to only a minimal drop in blood pressure levels.

The recommended dosage for someone with healthy blood pressure levels is between 400 and 700 milligrams per day. Ideally, before beginning high-dosage supplementation with magnesium (more than 300 milligrams per day), a doctor should be consulted.

If suffering from high blood pressure, a blood test to determine the magnesium levels is advisable. Magnesium is mainly contained within the cells: Red blood cells contain three times more magnesium than the blood liquid (serum). Therefore, it is better when your doctor tests for the magnesium levels in whole blood - which contains the red blood cells.

Magnesium can affect certain types of medication by binding with them and making them ineffective. These include antibiotics (especially gyrase inhibitors and tetracycline) and osteoporosis medication (bisphosphonates):

• Gyrase inhibitors Ciprofloxacin (e.g.Ciloxan®, Ciprobay®), Enoxacin (e.g., Enoxor®), Levofloxacin (e.g., Tavanic®), Moxifloxacin (e.g., Avalox®), Norfloxacin (e.g., Bactracid®, Norfluxx®) and Ofloxacin (e.g., Floxal®, Tarivid®)
• Tetracycline: Tetracycline (e.g., Achromycin®, Supramycin®, Tefilin®), Doxycycline (e.g., Supracyclin®, Vibramycin®), Minocycline (e.g., Aknosan®, Skinocyclin®)
• Bisphosphonates: Alendronate (e.g., Fosamax®, Tevanate®), Clodronate (e.g.Bonefos®), Etidronate (e.g., Didronel®), Ibandronate (Bondronat®), Pamidronate (Aredia®), Risedronate (Actonel®) and Tiludronate (Skelid®)

If using any of these medications, then a break of at least two hours should be observed between taking the medication and using a magnesium supplement.

Those with chronic kidneys disease use supplements to increase their magnesium intake. Weakened kidneys are not able to effectively excrete excess magnesium. The supplemented magnesium would begin to accumulate in the blood.

Taurine is a by-product of the breaking down of amino acids which are produced in the metabolism and enter the body with food. Studies on cells and animals have shown that taurine promotes the strength of the heartbeat and also keeps the heart rhythm in balance.

Researchers attribute taurine with blood pressure-lowering properties: In a study using placebos, a daily dosage of 1600 milligrams of taurine reduced blood pressure levels on average by 7.2 (systolic value) and 4.7 millimeters of mercury (diastolic value). Using placebos in a study provides a good indication as to the effectiveness of a medication. However, the study was small with only 120 participants. Larger studies are due to be carried out in the future.

To reduce blood pressure levels, micronutritionists recommend between 1500 and 4000 milligrams of taurine per day, often in combination with magnesium. This complete dosage should be spread throughout the day.

In rare cases, a dosage of over 2000 milligrams can cause stomach problems, such as nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. Further problems tend to develop when taurine is consumed in the form of energy drinks, which usually also contain caffeine. These can cause increases in pulse and blood pressure. This is most probably linked to the caffeine which has stimulant effects. Taurine intake via energy drinks is not recommended as a blood pressure treatment.

There is currently an insufficient amount of information available about the effects of taurine during pregnancy and when breastfeeding. Therefore, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using taurine supplements.

The regulation of taurine levels in the blood is disrupted in those patients with kidney disease. Normally, taurine is removed from the body via the kidneys. Therefore, your doctor should critically assess the benefits of taurine supplements if you are suffering from reduced kidney function.

Taurine may also lower blood sugar levels. This has been shown in studies with animals. Therefore, diabetics who wish to use taurine supplements should check their blood sugar level more regularly. In the event that low blood sugar levels are confirmed, the dosage of either the diabetes medication or the taurine supplement can be adjusted accordingly.

Those with epilepsy who wish to use taurine supplements should consult a doctor beforehand. In studies with animals, taurine was found to have seizure-relieving as well as seizure-increasing properties. The seizure-increasing effects are possibly caused by the blood sugar-reducing (hypoglycemic) effects of taurine. Similar effects have not been observed in humans, with the exception of when taurine was consumed via energy drinks. High-level consumption of energy drinks triggered seizures in those with epilepsy. It is unclear if this was solely due to the taurine or the combination with caffeine and/or alcohol.

The American Heart Association recommends at least two portions of oily fish per week. If this is not possible, then doctors recommend taking omega-3 supplements. 1500 and 2500 milligrams with the highest available percentage of EPA is advisable per day.

All fatty acids supplements should be taken with food.

They are better absorbed into the bloodstream via the intestine when consumed with fat contained in the meal.

Vitamin D inhibits the production of the blood pressure hormone renin which contributes to high blood pressure levels. Vitamin D also influences the metabolism of calcium in the vascular cells: It reduces the muscle relaxant properties of calcium and is therefore indirectly involved in the dilation of the blood vessels.

A vitamin D insufficiency can increase the risk of high blood pressure by 300% for women and 600% for men. This was observed in two major observational studies. Whether vitamin D reduces blood pressure levels in all those affected is currently being studied: Initial medical studies show positive effects in cases were the patient had a pre-existing vitamin D deficiency.

The vitamin D dosage is based on the vitamin D levels in the blood. Find out more about the correct dosage here. If the vitamin D level is not known, between 2000 and 4000 international units (IU) per day are recommended to counteract an increase in blood pressure.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. This means that it can only be correctly absorbed by the intestinal wall when consumed with fat. Always take vitamin D supplements at meal times.

Because high blood pressure patients are often found to have a vitamin D deficiency, it is advisable to undergo blood testing to determine vitamin D blood levels. The laboratory blood test will determine the level of the vitamin D type which circulates in the bloodstream - 25-hydroxy vitamin D.

Those with kidney disease should avoid taking vitamin D before consulting their doctor first. Kidney patients have problems with the mineral balance in their body. They may have too high calcium levels. Because vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium in the intestinal tract, calcium levels in the blood can increase sharply. Also, patients with kidney stones (which contain calcium) must be careful.

Patients with the inflammatory connective tissue disease sarcoidosis (also known as Boeck's disease) should not supplement with vitamin D: Patients with sarcoidosis often have high calcium levels in their blood, which may increase further if using vitamin D supplements.

Thiazide diuretic medications, containing the active substances hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix®), xipamide (Aquaphor®) and indapamide (Natrilix®), reduce the levels of calcium removed from the body by the kidneys. This leads to increased levels of calcium in the blood. Because vitamin D also increases the calcium levels in the blood, vitamins D should only be taken in combination with thiazide diuretics when the calcium level is subject to regular monitoring.

The amino acid arginine is the chemical precursor of the chemical messenger substance nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide dilated the blood vessels to ensure that there is more room for the blood.

An analysis of various metastudy findings showed: For high blood pressure patients, arginine can reduce the systolic value by between 2.2 and 5.4 millimeters of mercury and the diastolic value by between 2.7 and 3.1 millimeters of mercury.

Micronutritionists recommend taking between 2000 and 6000 milligrams of arginine per day. The intake of arginine should be spread throughout the day and ideally between meals: This allows arginine to be optimally absorbed by the intestinal tract.

A dosage above 6000 to 9000 milligrams of arginine per day can cause gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea and nausea.

For patients with high blood pressure levels, a blood test to allow the doctor to determine the arginine levels in your blood is advisable. There is also an ADMA test. ADMA (asymmetric dimethylarginine) is a substance produced in the body which inhibits the production of nitric oxide, the blood vessel-dilating chemical messenger substance from arginine. High ADMA levels are associated with high blood pressure levels and other types of cardiovascular disease. The desired balance between ADMA and arginine can be achieved by taking arginine supplements.

There is currently an insufficient level of study literature available on the use of arginine during pregnancy. Initial studies have shown beneficial effects of arginine in the prevention of pre-eclampsia (pregnancy poisoning). However, use of arginine supplements by pregnant women without monitoring by a doctor is not recommended.

The herpes group of viruses require arginine to reproduce. Arginine supplements should not be used by patients who suffer from recurring herpes outbreaks. It can re-activate dormant viruses and trigger infection.

If you are currently taking medication which has blood vessel-dilating effects similar to those of arginine – stimulation of the release of nitric oxide nitrovasodilator) - then consult your doctor beforehand. A dosage adjustment may be necessary. These include the nitrates (Mono Mack^®, Ismo^®), Molsidomin (Corvaton^®, Molsibeta^®) and Nitroprusside (Nipruss^®).

The erectile dysfunction medication Sildenafil (Viagra^®) should not be taken with arginine.

Potassium is involved in the regulation of blood pressure levels. A deficiency leads to an increase in blood pressure levels. Additionally, patients with high blood pressure require more potassium than healthy individuals.

Several studies have shown potassium reducing previously high blood pressure levels: An overall intake of between 3500 and 4600 milligrams per day reduced the systolic value in adults by around 3.49 and the diastolic value by 1.96 millimiters of mercury.

micronutritionists recommend between 2000 and 3000 milligrams per day depending on the blood potassium levels. Take smaller doses of potassium throughout the day. The individual potassium dose should not exceed 500 milligrams. Taking the supplement at mealtimes makes it more tolerable for the stomach.

Talk to your doctor before beginning to use potassium supplements. If you are not suffering from a deficiency you may develop excessive levels of potassium. This can lead to cardiac arrhythmia.

Patients with high blood pressure should have their potassium levels checked to rule out a possible deficiency. The normal reference value range for potassium is between 3.6 and 4.8 millimoles per liter of blood serum (mmol/l).

Potassium is expelled from the body via the kidneys. If the kidneys are not working correctly then potassium can begin to collect in the body. Depending on the severity of the kidney problems, potassium intake levels should not exceed between 1500 to 2000 milligrams per day. Patients with kidney problems should only use potassium supplements after consulting their doctor.

Blood pressure lowering medication, such as Rampiril (e.g., RamiLich^®) and Lisinopril (e.g., LisiLich®) can reduce the amount of potassium being expelled from the body by the kidneys. An excessive level of potassium may develop with the use of potassium supplements. The same applies to AT-1 blocker, with the active pharmaceutical ingredients Amlodipine (Norvasc®) and Candesartan (e.g., Atacand® or Blopresid®). Patients who are using blood pressure-lowering medication should use potassium supplements.

Even if using cardiac glycosides  (Digacin® oder Lanicor®) or potassium sparing diuretics (Diaphal®, Diursan®), you should avoid using potassium supplements. Potassium can reduce the effectiveness of cardiac glycosides. The use of potassium-sparing diuretics increases the risk of hyperkalemia (excessive levels of potassium).

Probiotics were shown to reduce the systolic value by 3.56 and the diastolic value by 2.38 millimeters of mercury on average. The decrease was most notable in study participants who had the highest baseline blood pressure levels (above 135/85 millimeters of mercury). This was demonstrated in the first metastudy analyzing the findings of nine studies with more than 500 participants.

Studies report that at least 1 billion (10⁹) bacteria per day are necessary, and the more the better: The greatest effect was observed following the intake of 100 billion (10¹¹) bacteria.

Doctors recommend multi-species supplements with various types of bifdobacteria and lactobacilli: The reduction was found to be greater when various types of bacteria were used and not only one individual type.

There is a possibility that some types of probiotics may produce histamine in the intestinal tract. These include: Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactococcus lactis and Enterococcus faecium. This means that probiotic supplements may cause problems for patients with histamine intolerance.

Very weak patients with suppressed immune systems, those with a central venous catheter, (e.g., during chemotherapy), heart valve disease or with short bowel syndrome should not use probiotics.

Antioxidants catch free radicals and can protect the blood vessels from further damage.

For instance, vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin C or the minerals selenium and zinc are important. Coenzyme Q10 also belongs to the antioxidants.

Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin C can also help in the reduction of blood pressure levels: Vitamin C increases the availability of the blood vessel-dilating chemical messenger nitric oxide, while coenzyme Q10 promotes the production of the chemical messenger.

Micronutritionists usually recommend a broad range of different antioxidants. These will target various regions in the body and are needed to help regenerate themselves after they have neutralized free radicals. Study showed that 500 milligrams of vitamin C and 200 milligrams of coenzyme Q10 were effective in reducing blood pressure levels.

Antioxidants are best absorbed in the intestinal tract when consumed at mealtimes.

Coenzyme Q10 can reduce the effectiveness of certain types of blood-thinning medications. These include Cumarine, containing the active substances phenprocoumon (e.g., Marcumar®, Falithrom® and Marcuphen®) and Warfarin (Coumadin®). These effects have been reported when using coenzyme Q10 dosages as low as between 30 and 100 milligrams. Consult your doctor before using coenzyme Q10 supplements. A doctor uses the PT quick test (PT: prothrombin time) to determine if coenzyme Q10 supplements can be used.

Vitamin C was shown in animal testing to reduce the effectiveness of the leukemia medication Bortezomib (Velcade®). Because of this risk, if taking these types of medications, supplements should be only be used after consulting with your doctor.

Because vitamin C improves the body's iron absorption, those suffering from hemochromatosis (pathological iron overload) should only use vitamin C supplements with regular monitoring from their doctor.

The body requires B vitamins to be able to break down homocysteine Homocysteine is a natural metabolic product which can damage the blood vessels if present in high levels. High homocysteine levels can promote the development of heart and circulatory disease, leading to stroke or heart attack. Vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid all help in the breakdown of homocysteine.

As shown in major observational studies, there is a direct correlation between folic acid intake and blood pressure levels. The risk of high blood pressure was also lower in the subjects with higher folic acid intake.

Folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 deficiencies should always be counterbalanced with supplements to avoid high blood pressure.

For effective reduction of homocysteine levels, 5 to 15 milligrams of vitamin B6, 400 to 600 micrograms of folic acid, and 250 to 500 micrograms of Vitamin B12 are recommended. B vitamins can be consumed via a multinutrient supplement, ideally combined with blood-vessel protecting antioxidants.

B vitamins can be consumed as a multinutrient supplement, ideally combined with the intake of blood-vessel protecting antioxidants. 

The homocysteine levels in the blood should be tested to help avoid further damage to the blood vessels. Homocysteine testing is carried out on the blood plasma (the blood fluid without the blood cells). Normal levels are usually below 10 micromoles per liter.

Vitamin B2, B6, and B12 should only be used in high dosages when pregnant or when breastfeeding if a deficiency has been confirmed and only after consultation with your gynecologist.

Diabetics with kidney damage and kidney patients must be particularly careful: do not take the cyanocobalamin form of vitamin B12 should not be used, but instead use methylcobalamin. High dosages of the vitamin cyanocobalamin are most likely harmful to patients with kidney problems.

The effects of using B vitamin supplements after the placement of a stent and after a heart attack have not been subject to a sufficient amount of study. B vitamins have a possible negative effect in these cases. High dosage vitamin B12 (60 to 400 micrograms per day) should be avoided.

At higher dosages (above 5 milligrams per day), vitamin B6 can reduce the effect of antiepileptic medications (Phenobarbital, Luminal®) und Phenytoin (Phenhydan®, Zentropil®) and medication for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (Levodopa (L-Dopa)). These active substances should not be taken in combination with high dose vitamin B6 supplements.

ACE inhibitors containing the active pharmaceutical ingredients Captopril (Cor Tensobon®) or Enalapril (Xanef®) bind zinc in the body and boost its elimination. The long-term use of ACE inhibitors can lead to a zinc deficiency. Supplementing with 10 to 20 milligrams of zinc per day is advisable. However, both should not be taken at the same times to ensure that the zinc is not bound in the stomach before reaching the intestines.

Beta blockers such as Metoprolol (like Lopressor®)disrupt the coenzyme Q10-dependent enzymes in the power plants of the cells - the mitochondria. Therefore, micronutritionists recommend at least 100 milligrams of coenzyme Q10 to ensure the energy supply of the heart muscle.

Angiotensin receptor blockers (Sartans), such as Losartan (Cozaar®) increase the amount of zinc being flushed out of the body. Especially during long-term treatment, there is a risk of developing a zinc deficiency because of this. Micronutritionists recommend supplementing 10 to 20 milligrams of zinc per day.

The typically prescribed diuretic for high blood pressure, with the active pharmaceutical ingredient hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), not only removes excess water from the body but also flushes out vitamins and minerals. These include B vitamins and the minerals zinc, magnesium, and potassium. Micronutritionists recommend daily:

• 200 to 400 micrograms of folic acid
• 5 to 15 milligrams Vitamin B6
• 100 to 200 micrograms of vitamin B12
• 10 to 20 milligrams of zinc
• 200 to 400 milligrams of magnesium

Example medications are Disalunil® or Esidrix®. There are many different combination supplements available; you can recognize them by the abbreviation HTC.