Two Nutrients That Help Lower Blood Pressure

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Two Nutrients That Help Lower Blood PressureHere we take a peek at whether coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and melatonin, two popular natural remedies, can help those trying to lower blood pressure.

CoQ10, also known as “ubiquinone” on account of its ubiquitous (widespread) distribution, is found in every cell. The highest concentration lies in the heart. A reduced amount of CoQ10 is related to aging and heart disease and, in particular, high blood pressure.

Since 1975, there has been intensive research on the role of CoQ10 and effects on blood pressure. The following studies highlight some of those effects.

In a meta-analysis of 12 studies with different study design (randomized controlled studies, crossover study and open label study), 362 people with high blood pressure were studied. Here’s the breakdown of the three types of studies and their results:

Randomized Studies
— Number of high blood pressure patients: 120

— Blood pressure changes in CoQ10 group: systolic blood pressure lowered by 16.6 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure lower by 8.2 mmHg. Placebo group had no significant changes.

Crossover Study
— Number of high blood pressure patients: 18

— Blood pressure changes in CoQ10 group: systolic blood pressure lowered by 11 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 8.0 mmHg. Placebo had no significant changes.

Open Label Studies
— Number of high blood pressure patients: 214

— Blood pressure changes in CoQ10 group: systolic blood pressure lowered by 13.5 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 10.3 mmHg.

In a study involving 74 type 2 diabetic patients randomized to receive either 100 mg of CoQ10 twice a day or 200 mg of the drug fenofibrate once a day, both or neither for 12 weeks, the results showed:

— CoQ10 lowered systolic blood pressure by 6.1 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.9 mmHg.

— CoQ10 reduced “glycated hemoglobin,” a measure of the average blood sugar in the previous months, by 0.37%.

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It is released mainly during the evening hours, as daylight tends to shut down its production. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure usually drop during sleep, but not in nearly 50% of patients with high blood pressure.

The lack of nocturnal blood pressure fall is associated with damage to the heart, brain and kidney and a higher incidence of stroke and heart attacks. In a recent meta-analysis on the effect of melatonin on nocturnal blood pressure in seven different studies, three using controlled-release melatonin and four using fast-release melatonin, results show:

— Controlled-release melatonin lowered systolic blood
pressure by 6.1 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 3.5
mmHg.
— Fast-release melatonin failed to lower either systolic or
diastolic blood pressure.

Here are the previous parts of this blood pressure series:

What You Need to Understand About Blood Pressure
Foods that Raise Blood Pressure
The Doctors’ Solution for Hypertension
DASH to Lower Your Blood Pressure
Four Minerals to Combat High Blood Pressure
The Protein to Lower Blood Pressure
Two Red Foods That Will Drop Blood Pressure
Can This Sweet Treat Drop Your Blood Pressure?
This Drink Has Interesting Effects on Blood Pressure
The Blood Pressure Solution from the Sea