Effect of Cholecalciferol Supplementation During Winter Months in Patients With Hypertension: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

• Published in: American journal of hypertension 2012-11, Vol.25 (11), p.1215-1222
• Main Authors: Larsen, Thomas, Mose, Frank H., Bech, Jesper N., Hansen, Annebirthe Bo, Pedersen, Erling B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Arterial hypertension. Arterial hypotension; Biological and medical sciences; Blood and lymphatic vessels; Blood Pressure - drug effects; Cardiology. Vascular system; Cholecalciferol - administration & dosage; Clinical manifestations. Epidemiology. Investigative techniques. Etiology; Denmark; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Hypertension - drug therapy; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Seasons; Vascular Stiffness - drug effects; Vitamin D Deficiency - drug therapy
• ISSN: 0895-7061; 1941-7225; 1879-1905
• DOI: 10.1038/ajh.2012.111

Background Low 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels are inversely related to blood pressure (BP) and have been associated with incident hypertension. In people living at northern latitudes diminished cholecalciferol synthesis in the winter increases the risk of vitamin D deficiency. We wanted to test the hypothesis that daily cholecalciferol supplementation in the winter lowers BP in patients with hypertension. Methods We investigated the effect of 75µg (3,000 IU) cholecalciferol per day in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study in 130 hypertensive patients residing in Denmark (56º N). Ambulatory BP (24-h BP) and arterial stiffness were measured before and after 20 weeks of treatment, that took place between October and March. Results A total of 112 patients (mean age 61 ± 10) with a baseline p-25(OH)D of 23 ± 10 ng/ml completed the study. Compared with placebo, a nonsignificant 3/1 mm Hg (P = 0.26/0.18) reduction was found in 24-h BP. In patients with vitamin D insufficiency (