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THE RIGHT MIX OF METALS MIGHT IMPROVE MIDLIFE HYPERTENSION
Doubling of vitamin B12 associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure
A study published in the journal Hypertension on March 6, coinciding with the American Heart Association’s 2025 Scientific Sessions in New Orleans, found that adequate copper, manganese, and vitamin B12 levels during pregnancy may reduce midlife hypertension risk.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School analyzed metals in red blood cells and vitamins in plasma from women enrolled between 1999-2002, then measured their blood pressure approximately 18 years later (2017-2021). Among the 493 participants studied, doubling copper and manganese levels was associated with 25% and 20% lower hypertension risk, respectively. While higher cesium and selenium showed slightly increased hypertension risk, these findings were statistically inconclusive.
Notably, doubled vitamin B12 levels correlated with significant reductions in both systolic (3.64 mmHg) and diastolic (2.52 mmHg) blood pressure. The researchers observed that essential metal mixtures showed a consistent association with lower blood pressure but demonstrated threshold effects regarding hypertension risk.
“These findings suggest that optimizing essential metal levels during pregnancy, particularly, copper and manganese, along with vitamin B12, may offer protective benefits against high blood pressure and hypertension in midlife,” the authors write.
Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role for pregnant mothers by supporting fetal neural tube development and brain formation while preventing birth defects and developmental issues. It helps produce red blood cells that deliver oxygen to the developing baby and contributes to maternal energy levels, potentially reducing pregnancy fatigue.
B12 is essential for DNA synthesis during rapid cell division and supports proper placental function. Research suggests adequate B12 levels during pregnancy may also protect against future hypertension, with studies showing that higher levels correlate with lower blood pressure readings years later.
This nutrient further helps regulate homocysteine levels, reducing the risk of pregnancy complications like preeclampsia. Since B12 is primarily found in animal products, vegetarian or vegan pregnant women should be particularly vigilant about supplementation to ensure both maternal and fetal health.
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