Modulation of Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients by Vitamin C

Abstract

Background: Essential hypertension is characterized by endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, and increased oxidative stress. We evaluated the effect of short-term treatment with the antioxidant vitamin C on blood pressure in essential hypertensive patients.Patients and Methods: A total of 50 participants with essential hypertension were evaluated before and after the study. They received 250 mg vitamin C twice daily for one month. Blood pressure, weight and height were measured before and after intervention. Body mass index was calculated and dietary pattern was assessed by using food frequency questionnaire and 24 dietary recalls.Results: We observed a significant decline in both systolic blood pressure (138.1±12.7 vs 134.2±11.5 mmHg, p