Effect of vitamin B2, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and folic acid in adults with essential hypertension: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

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Effect of vitamin B2, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and folic acid in adults with essential hypertension: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Qi et al., 2024 | BMJ Open | Systematic Review

Citation

Qi Shangwen, Luo Xu, ... Jin Hua. Effect of vitamin B2, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and folic acid in adults with essential hypertension: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2024-Jan-30;14(1):e074511. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074511

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the current study is to compare the treatment effects of different vitamins on essential hypertension to provide an initial basis for developing evidence-based practices. DESIGN: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched from their inception to 25 September 2023. OUTCOMES: The primary outcomes were the difference between the intervention group and the control group in changes in office systolic blood pressure (SBP) and office diastolic blood pressure (DBP) from baseline. The secondary outcomes were the difference between the intervention group and the control group in changes in 24-hour mean ambulatory systolic blood pressure (24 hours SBP), 24-hour mean ambulatory diastolic blood pressure (24 hours DBP) and heart rate (HR) from baseline. RESULTS: A total of 23 studies comparing five vitamins (vitamin B2, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, folic acid) and involving 2218 participants were included. The included trials were all vitamin versus placebo, so the network was star-shaped. Among the five vitamins, only vitamin E was significantly more effective at reducing SBP (mean difference: -14.14 mm Hg, 95% credible intervals: -27.62 to -0.88) than placebo. In addition, no evidence was found that any of the five vitamins influenced DBP, 24 hours SBP, 24 hours DBP, or HR. The dose of vitamins, geographical region and percentage of males (only SBP) might be sources of heterogeneity. Sensitivity and subgroup analysis revealed that the effect of vitamin intervention on blood pressure varies according to different doses of vitamins. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, vitamin E might be an effective measure to reduce SBP, but more research is needed to validate this finding. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022352332.

Key Findings

A total of 23 studies comparing five vitamins (vitamin B2, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, folic acid) and involving 2218 participants were included. The included trials were all vitamin versus placebo, so the network was star-shaped. Among the five vitamins, only vitamin E was significantly more effective at reducing SBP (mean difference: -14.14 mm Hg, 95% credible intervals: -27.62 to -0.88) than placebo. In addition, no evidence was found that any of the five vitamins influenced DBP, 24 hour

Outcomes Measured

  • blood pressure
  • systolic blood pressure
  • diastolic blood pressure

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 2218
Age Range See abstract
Condition hypertension

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Vitamin D
  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Hypertension
  • Folic Acid
  • Riboflavin
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamins
  • Essential Hypertension
  • Blood Pressure
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin K

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Network Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: vitamin-c

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09