Can Folic Acid Reduce Hypertension?

Why Folic Acid helps regulate High Blood Pressure:

Folic acid improves oxygen supply to all tissues and organs of the body. Hence, it reduces artery stiffness which lowers the pressure of the blood on the walls of the vessels. This allows the vessels to relax and widen, thus improving blood flow and reducing hypertension.

Also, folic acid is known to break down homocysteine, hence decreasing its levels in plasma in the blood. This might regulate high blood pressure.

Studies have been done in order to confirm the assistance of folic acid in decreasing high blood pressure. For example, the article “High-dose folic acid supplementation effects on endothelial function and blood pressure in hypertensive patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials” showed valid results that folic acid regulates blood pressure. 

How Folic Acid works for Blood Pressure:

Folic acid is essential for the formation of healthy and new red blood cells that ensure proper delivery of oxygen to the cells. As a result, this leads to an increase in ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production which triggers the expansion of the blood vessels allowing them to relax. This action improves blood flow and reduces high blood pressure.

Moreover, the vitamin boosts the nitric oxide bioavailability by increasing the NO enzyme coupling and NO production. This allows blood vessels to relax and dilate, hence improving blood flow and decreasing blood pressure.

Folic acid also breaks down homocysteine amino acid in the blood and converts them into other chemicals so they can be properly utilized in the body. This brings back homocysteine to normal levels and reduces blood pressure.

Folic Acid Dose for High Blood Pressure:

Folic acid is mostly available in capsules or tablets. However, it can also be present in liquid form. It can be administered either intravenously through the vein, or through the muscle or skin based on what the doctor suggests.

There are no conclusive dosages of folic acid for high blood pressure yet. 

However, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) recommends that men and women older than 19 years old should take an oral dose of at least 400mcg on a daily basis. In addition, the injectable dose of liquid folic acid is set at 5mg/ml daily. This might help in decreasing the chances of hypertension. 

Dosages should always be consulted by the doctor in order to revise each person’s case according to age and medical condition, if any.

Folic Acid for Blood Pressure: precautions

People who have allergies should take precautions and consult a doctor before they begin taking folic acid supplements.

1.    Interaction with different Medications:

Folic acid may interact with different medications and exacerbate certain conditions. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before taking folic acid supplements if you take the following medication: 

• Anticonvulsants medication: such as cerebyx, phenytoin, and primidone- could decrease the concentration of the supplement in your blood.
• Barbiturates, methotrexate, and pyrimethamine medications: could decrease the drug’s effectiveness

2.    Pregnant Women:

Despite folic acid’s effectiveness on baby development during pregnancy, women who extend their intake of folate from pre-pregnancy through mid-pregnancy are at risk of hypertension. This could cause poor fetal growth and stillbirth. 

Folic Acid for Blood Pressure: side effects

If you take folic acid, some side effects can take place such as nausea, loss of appetite, irritability, and bad breath.