Related Experiment Videos
Calcium and blood pressure. An epidemiologic perspective
1Prevention and Demonstration Research Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
American Journal of Hypertension
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Calcium intake may influence blood pressure, but evidence is not conclusive. While some studies suggest an inverse relationship, clinical trials show mixed results, with pooled data indicating a small reduction in systolic pressure.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Nutritional Science
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- The relationship between dietary calcium and blood pressure is a subject of ongoing research.
- Observational studies and clinical trials have yielded inconsistent findings regarding calcium's effect on hypertension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize the epidemiologic evidence on the relationship between blood pressure and calcium intake.
- To evaluate the results of observational and intervention studies concerning calcium and blood pressure levels.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of observational studies and randomized controlled trials on calcium intake and blood pressure.
- Analysis of pooled data from clinical trials of calcium supplementation.
Main Results:
- The majority of observational studies suggested an inverse association between calcium intake and blood pressure, though not consistently.
- Randomized controlled trials showed mixed results; pooled analysis indicated a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (1.8 mm Hg) but no effect on diastolic pressure.
Conclusions:
- The evidence for a role of calcium in human hypertension is suggestive but not conclusive.
- Further epidemiologic studies are recommended to clarify the relationship between calcium and blood pressure.