The elderly often report nutritional deficiency and rely on taking multivitamins. Now, new research from Mass General Brigham, Boston, suggests that long-term multivitamin supplementation could reduce hypertension risk and blood pressure (BP) in specific groups of older adults.
The blood pressure reduction is tied to correcting deficiencies in minerals like magnesium and potassium and vitamins, which play a key role in blood pressure regulation. The elderly, who have poor nutritional status, are likely to be deficient in micronutrients, which the researchers claim can be made up by supplements.
Why was the study conducted?
The study recruited about 8,900 women above 60 to test the potential effects of cocoa extract and multivitamin-multimineral (MVM) supplements on older adult health. Study authors said that since vitamins and minerals play a known role in regulating blood pressure, they were exploring supplementation as an accessible method to take care of deficiencies in the elderly. In the end, they found that there were small but still significant improvements in blood pressure readings of participants who at the start of the study had been on poor diets.
However, Dr Babir Singh, chairman, Cardiac Sciences, Max Healthcare, argues that “multivitamin tablets do not do much to the body. I never prescribe any B vitamin supplements to anybody without going by the dietary route first. That, if done properly, can take care of the recommended daily quota. Still if any deficiency cannot be addressed fully, then we administer a supplement specific to the low nutrient that a person’s blood work shows. Supplements are intended only for the very sick patient who is not able to eat properly at all.” Excerpts:
Which vitamins and minerals are crucial for maintaining blood pressure?
Vitamins B6, B9 or folate and B12 help regulate and process homocysteine, an amino acid which, when high, damages blood vessel lining and increases blood clots. They also support red blood cell production. In minerals, we need potassium which counteracts sodium (Indians have more salt) by helping kidneys excrete it and relaxing blood vessel walls. Magnesium helps relax blood vessels, allowing better blood flow and regulating vessel constriction/relaxation. Calcium is essential for blood vessel contraction and relaxation. Vitamin D and C reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function.
Why are the elderly more prone to micronutrient deficiency
Ageing slows digestion as there is a decrease in stomach acid, which affects nutrient absorption. The elderly also slow down. Now less physical activity means muscle mass goes down. This reduces overall calorie requirements but vitamin/mineral needs stay the same or increase. That’s why the nutrient demand is high. The elderly also tend to have low appetite.
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Conditions like heart disease or diabetes increase nutrient needs while reducing appetite and ability to cook. Many drugs can interfere with nutrient absorption or cause side effects like appetite loss. Oral health is a big challenge as tooth loss and dentures make the elderly averse to chewing and limits food variety. Sometimes they tend to miss meals.
How much B vitamins are needed by the elderly and can they be sourced from diet?
Usually, standard daily amounts of 2.4 mcg work for a healthy body but because of poor absorption issues, sometimes they need around 10-12 mcg of B vitamins. Even then this can be easily met from food sources like fish, eggs, milk and milk products, leafy greens, whole grains, legumes, nuts and even from plant-based and fortified foods. Sometimes, you get them in a single, balanced meal, too. What you need is a healthy diet matched by movement or physical activity to manage heart health.
Also, a supplement will not reduce your blood pressure automatically if it is high. For that, you need to consult your doctor and follow their advice. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious risk factor for cardiovascular disease, particularly among genetically-prone Indians. The idea of preventive cardiac health should begin in your 20s with a balanced diet, exercise, sleep and lifestyle routine, followed up with regular screening.