Introduction
Three vitamins—vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid—control the level of plasma homocysteine, which is an independent risk factor for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The relationship between these vitamins’ consumption and blood pressure has only recently been studied in adult populations.
The B complex of vitamins is made up of eight water-soluble vitamins, one of which is vitamin B12. They are all required for a variety of body processes that are necessary for good health.
Due to the vitamin’s function in the creation of red blood cells and its ability to cure some illnesses associated with low blood pressure, vitamin B12 and blood pressure are related.
Advantages of Vitamin B12
The fact that vitamin B-12 is present in practically all multivitamins is evidence of its importance for good health. For people who are at risk of having a B12 deficiency due to things like a lack of nutritional consumption, supplements are frequently advised.
Vegetarians and vegans are among those most likely to require vitamin B-12 supplements because it is naturally found in animal products.
As vitamin B-12 is involved in so many metabolic processes, it has a wide range of advantages.
- Red blood cells: The health and number of red blood cells are largely dependent on vitamin B-12.
- The neurological system: Vitamin B-12 supports the myelin sheath, a protective layer that surrounds the neurons. The nerves are susceptible to harm if this is absent (or degrades over time owing to a lack of vitamin B-12).
- Cell metabolism: According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin B-12 is essential for the conversion of lipids and proteins into glucose, which the body may utilize as fuel.
- DNA: The creation of DNA, the genetic material that makes up all cells, is aided by vitamin B-12, which promotes cell regeneration.
Blood pressure and vitamin B-12
A persistent vitamin B-12 shortage can result in the illness known as pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, is a disorder in which the body lacks adequate B-12, making it difficult for the body to create enough healthy red blood cells.
Due to the red blood cells’ inability to divide, they grow abnormally big, which increases strain on the heart and blood arteries. To guarantee there are enough red blood cells to deliver oxygen throughout the body, the heart must pump harder.
In order to restore normal red blood cell production, pernicious anemia is typically treated with tablets or injections that have a high B-12 dose. Pernicious anemia should be treated as soon as possible since it increases the risk of cardiovascular illnesses and even stroke.
Orthostatic hypotension is a different blood disorder associated with vitamin B-12 in which the blood pressure drops when standing or sitting. This disorder has the potential to be quite dangerous and occasionally causes fainting. The symptoms of orthostatic hypotension can be lessened by taking vitamin B-12 supplements, according to a 2012 study that was published in the Texas Heart Institute Journal.
The associations between orthostatic hypotension, pernicious anemia, and vitamin B-12 point to a significant relationship between the two.
Anemia, commonly known as hypotension, can result from vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies, which can then lower blood pressure. Red blood cells are created by your body with the assistance of vitamin B12, ensuring that enough oxygen reaches every area of your body, including the heart. Go for a B12 test if you have low blood pressure. Low blood pressure of any severity can result in shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, fainting, and an increased risk of injury from falls.
