Archive · 12 Dec 2025
Vitamin B12 pills may lower BP in elderly, study finds
A new study found that taking multivitamin pills might help lower blood pressure in older adults.
The study looked at over 8,900 women above 60 and found that those who took these supplements had small but significant improvements in their blood pressure, especially if they had been eating poorly.
The supplements help because older adults often don't get enough important vitamins and minerals like B6, B9, B12, potassium, magnesium, and calcium from their food.
These nutrients help keep blood pressure normal.
However, some doctors say that food should be the first choice for getting these nutrients, and supplements should only be used if there's a clear deficiency.
Eating a balanced diet with foods like fish, eggs, and leafy greens can provide all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
It's also important to start taking care of heart health early, with a good diet, exercise, and regular check-ups.
Study by Mass General Brigham found multivitamin supplements may reduce hypertension risk in elderly women.
Supplements help correct deficiencies in vitamins and minerals crucial for blood pressure regulation.
Elderly often have poor nutritional status due to reduced stomach acid, less physical activity, and health conditions.
Key vitamins and minerals for blood pressure include B6, B9, B12, potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C.
Doctors recommend focusing on a balanced diet first, with supplements only for specific deficiencies.
- Who
- Elderly adults, particularly women above 60
- What
- Study on the effects of multivitamin-multimineral supplements on blood pressure
- When
- Conducted by Mass General Brigham, Boston
- Where
- Boston, USA
- Why
- To explore supplementation as an accessible method to address micronutrient deficiencies in the elderly
- Study Conducted By
- Mass General Brigham, Boston
- Participants
- 8,900 women above 60
- Key Vitamins
- B6, B9 (folate), B12
- Key Minerals
- Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin C
- Daily B12 Requirement
- 2.4 mcg (healthy body), 10-12 mcg (elderly with poor absorption)
- Food Sources
- Fish, eggs, milk, leafy greens, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fortified foods
- Study Focus
- Effects of cocoa extract and multivitamin-multimineral supplements on older adult health