Does increasing the amount of calcium in our diet reduce blood pressure? Examination of a large sample of people revealed a relationship between calcium intake and blood pressure. The relationship was strongest for black men. Such observational studies do not establish causation. Researchers therefore designed a randomized comparative experiment.

Hypertension is a serious health problem that increases the risk of heart and kidney disease. Several studies have shown that increased calcium intake identified blood pressure even in individuals within a normal blood pressure range. Increased calcium intake also has beneficial effects on pregnancy outcomes, effects that are thought to be mediated also by a reduction in blood pressure. Hypertension has been identified as a major risk factor for mortality, and even small reductions in blood pressure can decrease the occurrence of coronary artery disease, stroke, and death.

Explanation:

This review analyzed information from 16 trials (3048 participants). An increase in calcium intake was found to slightly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure 1.43 mmHg and 0.98 mmHg less, respectively. This effect was greater with calcium doses above 1000 mg / day. Systolic blood pressure was reduced by 1.14 mmHg with calcium doses from 1000 to 1500 mg / day and by 2.79 mmHg with calcium doses equal to or greater than 1500 mg / day.

A reduction in blood pressure was observed in men and women and at ages 11 to 82 years, but the reduction was greater in youth. Systolic blood pressure was reduced by 2.11 mmHg among people under the age of 35 and by 0.96 mmHg among those aged 35 years and older.

None of the studies reported adverse events. Additional research studies are needed to determine the ideal dosage for supplementation and whether it is more effective and safer as part of the diet or as a supplement.