Several factors contribute to the development of hypertension. One of these factors is the genetic predisposition for elevated blood pressure. The B-complex of vitamins, including vitamin B12, plays a role in blood pressure regulation. However, few studies have investigated the association between B-vitamin intake and blood pressure.
The present study investigated the dietary relationship between the B-vitamins and the prevalence of hypertension in rural Chinese adults. Participants were 2241 adults aged 18-80 from northwestern China in 2010. A semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to determine dietary nutrient intake.
Plasma levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 were measured. Plasma homocysteine (Hcy) was also studied. The folic acid and vitamin B12 act together as cofactors in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. This is believed to have a synergistic effect on endothelial function and may lower blood pressure.
The results showed that the dietary folate intake was not associated with the prevalence of hypertension in men. Similarly, the higher the dietary folate intake, the lower the prevalence of hypertension in females.
Furthermore, the association between vitamin B6 and hypertension was not found. The results were not altered by adjustment for age, height and weight, smoking, preschool, and mineral intake.
Although the findings of this study indicate that the dietary intake of the B-vitamins is associated with the prevalence of hypertension, additional studies are required to establish a causal inference.
It is important to note that the dietary intake of vitamin C and vitamin D was not a predictor of hypertension. These nutrients may act as diuretics.