A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies examines the association between vitamin C levels and blood pressure. Analyzing a total of 18 studies involving 22,200 participants, the researchers found that patients with high blood pressure have relatively low levels of vitamin C. They also found vitamin C levels are inversely associated with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. With the World Health Organization estimating that over 1 billion people worldwide have high blood pressure, and patients suffering from the condition at heightened risk of more severe complications if they contract the coronavirus, the review acts as a timely reminder of the importance of ensuring proper levels of this crucial micronutrient.
The researchers note in their paper that numerous previous studies have observed an inverse correlation between vitamin C intake and blood pressure. In doing so they cite studies dating back more than 20 years which recognize that, potentially, the impact on cardiovascular disease of even a modest change in average population vitamin C intake is large.
Notably, however, when selecting the 18 specific studies they analyzed for their review, the researchers excluded trials in which participants used supplements containing vitamin C in doses higher than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). The exclusion of such trials meant the review could not properly consider the clinical responses of blood pressure patients to higher intakes of the vitamin. Perhaps not surprisingly, therefore, the researchers say causal associations between vitamin C and blood pressure cannot be inferred from their analysis.
Interestingly, the researchers speculate that drugs prescribed for high blood pressure might deplete vitamin C. In fact, however, we already know there is scientific proof of this. A study conducted at the Dr. Rath Research Institute shows that channel blockers, a class of drugs widely used for the conventional management of high blood pressure, can lead to a deprivation of vitamin C in cells. Published in 2016, the results of this study explain the increased risk of heart disease, breast cancer, and gum problems reported in many clinical studies of channel blocking drugs. This is because vitamin C is an essential micronutrient for the production of collagen, a protein that is the key stability molecule for the blood vessel walls and overall health of the body’s connective tissue.
Drug treatments only address the symptoms of high blood pressure. While lowering the pressure of the blood they fail to correct the root cause of the problem. In contrast, Dr. Rath’s research has shown that the main cause of high blood pressure is a chronic deficiency of vitamin C and other essential micronutrients in the smooth muscle cells that line the blood vessel walls. Based on this understanding, Dr. Rath’s revolutionary Cellular Medicine approach to high blood pressure focuses on ensuring optimum intake of a specific group of micronutrients that play synergistic roles in preventing and normalizing the condition:
VITAMIN C – The key micronutrient for the stability of blood vessels, vitamin C increases the production of prostacycline, a molecule that relaxes the blood vessel walls and helps keep blood viscosity at optimum levels. |
MAGNESIUM – A mineral known as ‘nature’s calcium antagonist,’ magnesium is essential for an optimum mineral balance in the cells of the blood vessel walls. Optimum mineral balance is a precondition for the relaxation of the artery walls. |
ARGININE – A key amino acid, arginine plays an important role in the production of a molecule known as nitric oxide. Nitric oxide increases the elasticity of the artery walls and helps normalize high blood pressure. |
LYSINE and PROLINE – These two amino acids help protect the artery walls and prevent the development of atherosclerotic deposits. Since atherosclerosis is intertwined with high blood pressure, lysine and proline are essential for preventing and correcting this health condition as well. |
High blood pressure is often known as the ‘silent killer’ as it typically causes no obvious symptoms until after it has done significant damage to the heart and arteries. In many cases patients only learn they have the condition after suffering a heart attack or stroke. Today, however, through ensuring an optimum intake of vitamin C and other key micronutrients, high blood pressure can be effectively and safely prevented. As Dr. Rath describes in his groundbreaking book, ‘Why Animals Don’t Get Heart Attacks…But People Do’, the earlier you start following his revolutionary Cellular Medicine program, the more years you will add to your life.