Can Vitamin B2 Really Lower Blood Pressure? What's the Difference Between a $2 Vitamin and a $200 Vitamin?

Can Vitamin B2 Really Lower Blood Pressure? What's the Difference Between a $2 Vitamin and a $200 Vitamin?At the pharmacy, the clerk enthusiastically recommended a health supplement to Mr. Zhang, claiming that the vitamin B2 inside was a miracle cure for high blood pressure and could help control it

Can Vitamin B2 Really Lower Blood Pressure? What's the Difference Between a $2 Vitamin and a $200 Vitamin?

At the pharmacy, the clerk enthusiastically recommended a health supplement to Mr. Zhang, claiming that the vitamin B2 inside was a miracle cure for high blood pressure and could help control it. Mr. Zhang was tempted, but seeing the price of $198, he hesitated. Does vitamin B2 really lower blood pressure? With countless vitamin products on the market, what's the difference between a $2 vitamin and a $200 one?

I. Can Vitamin B2 Really Help Lower Blood Pressure?

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is an essential nutrient for the human body, participating in various physiological activities, including energy metabolism and cell growth. In recent years, some studies have shown that vitamin B2 may be associated with a reduced risk of high blood pressure.

• Researchers at Southern Medical University published a study in the journal Hypertension, following over 12,000 participants for 7.8 years. They found that participants who consumed higher amounts of vitamin B2 had a 26% lower risk of developing high blood pressure. This research result has attracted widespread attention and raised expectations for the blood pressure-lowering effects of vitamin B2.

However, it is important to note that all current high blood pressure guidelines do not include vitamin B2 as a recommended blood pressure-lowering measure. While research shows that vitamin B2 may have a protective effect, it cannot replace drug therapy. High blood pressure patients still need to take antihypertensive medications as prescribed by their doctor and make lifestyle interventions.

II. What's the Difference Between a $2 Vitamin and a $200 Vitamin?

The price of vitamin products on the market varies greatly, with cheap ones costing only a few dollars a bottle, while expensive ones can go for hundreds of dollars. Many people believe that more expensive vitamins are more effective, but this is not necessarily true.

From a chemical structure standpoint, the same type of vitamin sold on the market, regardless of price, has the same chemical structure. Price differences mainly lie in the source and additives.

1. Different Source:

• Natural Vitamins: Extracted from natural foods, they are relatively more expensive.

• Synthetic Vitamins: Made by chemical synthesis, they are relatively cheaper.

Natural vitamins and synthetic vitamins have essentially the same effects, but due to differences in extraction processes and purity, prices can vary.

2. Different Additives:

• High-priced vitamins: To improve taste, they often add sweeteners, flavorings, and other additives, resulting in higher prices.

• Low-priced vitamins: They are more pure in terms of ingredients, without added sugars, flavorings, etc., which may have a slightly poorer taste, but are cheaper.

3. Different Properties:

• Dietary supplements: They have a blue cap logo on the packaging, are essentially food, and are mainly used for nutritional supplementation.

• Drugs: They have an OTC symbol, are essentially over-the-counter drugs, and can guarantee safety and efficacy.

For people who take vitamins for therapeutic purposes, it is recommended to choose drugs under the guidance of a doctor for treatment, not to replace them with dietary supplements. If there is only a slight deficiency in the body, it can be supplemented through diet, dietary supplements, or drugs.

III. Harvard University: Are Supplements Really Necessary?

Faced with a wide variety of supplements, people often wonder: which supplements really work? Which are just hyped-up marketing gimmicks?

• In 2021, Harvard Medical School published an article in Harvard Health, analyzing common nutritional supplements on the market:

1. Vitamin D:

Most people today spend a lot of time indoors, lack sunlight, and are prone to vitamin D deficiency. It is generally recommended that adults take 800-1000 IU of vitamin D daily, but most people cannot meet their needs through their diet alone. Therefore, supplements can be used to supplement.

2. Vitamin B12:

Vitamin B12 is mainly found in eggs, meat, and dairy products, making strict vegetarians prone to deficiency. Additionally, some elderly people may not be able to effectively absorb vitamin B12 from food due to insufficient stomach acid secretion, also leading to deficiency. Such individuals can supplement through supplements.

3. Antioxidants:

Healthy individuals do not need to supplement with antioxidants, and excessive supplementation may even increase the risk of developing various diseases. While antioxidants can prevent oxidation, they themselves can also be oxidized to produce harmful substances. Daily needs can be met through a balanced diet.

4. Fish Oil:

Fish are rich in nutrients, especially deep-sea fish. Many people mistakenly believe that fish oil is the same as eating fish, but in fact, the two are not entirely the same. It's better to eat fish directly if you can. For vegetarians, pregnant women, or some patients with certain diseases, fish oil can be supplemented in moderation under doctor's guidance. Healthy individuals do not need to supplement. Additionally, fish oil and cod liver oil are completely different. Cod liver oil is a fat oil extracted from the liver of marine fish, mainly composed of vitamins A and D, and long-term large intake can easily lead to vitamin A and D overdose.

IV. Conclusion

Dietary supplements are not a panacea, they cannot replace drug therapy, nor can they replace a balanced diet. Dietary supplements are purchased for the pursuit of health, but attention should also be paid to safety and rationality. When choosing supplements, it is recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist first and choose a suitable supplementation method based on your individual situation.

References:

[1] "Supplementing with This Vitamin May Help Keep High Blood Pressure at Bay. Data From 12,000 Chinese Participants Shows That Higher Vitamin B2 Intake Is Linked to a 26% Lower Risk of High Blood Pressure." Singularity Hub, 2020-11-04.

[2] "What's the Difference between a $2 Vitamin C and a $200 Vitamin C? Which is Better?" Shaw and Run Run Shaw Hospital, 2024-03-20.

[3] "Fish Oil, Vitamin D, Antioxidants Are Supplements Necessary for These Nutrients?" Health Times, 2021-12-13.

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