From the Guidelines
Potassium supplements, preferably from dietary sources, can lower blood pressure by balancing sodium effects, with a typical reduction of 2-5 mmHg in adults with normotension and hypertension, respectively, as supported by the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline 1. When considering supplements that affect blood pressure, it's essential to prioritize those that have a positive impact on cardiovascular health.
- Potassium-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, are recommended to reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk, as stated in the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline 1.
- Magnesium supplements may also provide modest benefits in lowering blood pressure, although the evidence is not as strong as for potassium, as noted in the 2016 Circulation study 1.
- Other supplements like garlic, omega-3 fatty acids, and CoQ10 may have modest blood pressure-lowering effects, but the evidence is less consistent, as reported in the 2007 European Heart Journal study 1. However, some supplements can raise blood pressure and should be avoided by people with hypertension, such as:
- Licorice, ephedra, bitter orange, and some herbal stimulants, as warned against in the example answer.
- Caffeine-containing supplements, which may cause temporary blood pressure spikes, as mentioned in the example answer. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you have hypertension or are taking blood pressure medications, as some supplements can interact with medications, as advised in the example answer. The most recent and highest-quality study, the 2021 Circulation Research study 1, emphasizes the importance of lifestyle management, including a healthy diet, reduced sodium intake, weight loss, increased potassium intake, physical activity, and moderation in alcohol consumption, in preventing and treating hypertension. Ultimately, supplements should complement, not replace, conventional treatments like medication, diet improvements, exercise, and stress management, as recommended in the example answer.
From the Research
Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Blood Pressure
- Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce blood pressure, with a greater effect in hypertensive patients and those with high-normal blood pressure 2, 3.
- The dose of omega-3 fatty acids required to achieve a blood pressure reduction is likely to be at least 3-4 g/day 2, 3.
- High doses of omega-3 fatty acids (≥ 3 g/day) have been found to produce a small but significant decrease in blood pressure, especially systolic blood pressure, in older and hypertensive subjects 3.
- Omega-3 fatty acids may have a place in the control of patients with mild hypertension before starting drug treatment and of those who prefer changes of lifestyles like diet 3.
- The effects of omega-3 fatty acids on blood pressure are thought to be mediated by their regulation of vascular tone, which could be mediated by both endothelium-dependent and independent mechanisms 4.
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may be more favorable in lowering blood pressure and heart rate, as well as improving vascular function, compared to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 5.
Studies on Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Blood Pressure
- A 2010 study found that omega-3 fatty acids reduced blood pressure, with a greater effect in hypertensive patients and those with high-normal blood pressure 2.
- A 2012 study found that high doses of omega-3 fatty acids (≥ 3 g/day) produced a small but significant decrease in blood pressure, especially systolic blood pressure, in older and hypertensive subjects 3.
- A 1996 study found that adjunctive fish oil supplementation did not substantially augment blood pressure lowering in treated hypertensive men with suboptimally controlled blood pressure 6.
- A 2023 review found that omega-3 fatty acids have beneficial effects on cardiovascular outcomes, including the regulation of blood pressure in hypertensive and normotensive subjects 4.
- A 2006 study found that omega-3 fatty acids have cardioprotective effects, including improvements in blood pressure, cardiac function, arterial compliance, and vascular function 5.