The Impact of Vitamin D Supplementation on Improving Blood Pressure: Evidence Obtained From an Umbrella Meta-analysis

Clin Ther. 2023 Oct;45(10):e208-e216. doi: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.07.020. Epub 2023 Aug 21.

Abstract

Purpose: The results of meta-analyses regarding the effect of vitamin D on blood pressure are conflicting. The present umbrella meta-analysis was conducted to provide definite and conclusive results.

Methods: Systematically, Scopus, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science databases and Google Scholar were searched for relevant literature published up to July 2022. All meta-analyses of clinical trials addressing the effect of vitamin D on blood pressure were included. Random effects analysis was performed to obtain the overall effect size based on the standardized mean differences (SMDs) and weighted mean differences (WMDs) separately. The quality of included meta-analyses was assessed by using the Measurement Tool for Assessing Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 questionnaire.

Findings: Overall, 21 meta-analyses were enrolled in the umbrella review. The results indicated that systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced after the intervention based on WMD effect size analysis (ESWMD = -0.69 mm Hg; 95% CI, -1.35 to -0.04 [P < 0.038]; I2 = 46.7%, P = 0.021); however, no considerable impact was observed based on analysis of SMD effect sizes (ESSMD = -0.05 mm Hg; 95% CI, -0.24 to 0.14; P = 0.615). Also, vitamin D supplementation indicated a significant improvement in diastolic blood pressure based on WMD effect sizes (ESWMD = -0.66 mm Hg; 95% CI, -1.05 to -0.27 [P < 0.001]; I2 = 56.4%, P = 0.004) but not SMD analysis (ESSMD = -0.04 mm Hg; 95% CI, -0.13 to 0.04 [P = 0.328]; I2 = 53.4%, P = 0.057).

Implications: Based on obtained evidence, vitamin D could be considered an efficient adjuvant for improving blood pressure.

Keywords: Blood pressure; Cholecalciferol; Umbrella meta-analysis; Vitamin D.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Pressure
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Vitamin D* / pharmacology
  • Vitamins* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamins