Parathyroid hormone has an important role in blood pressure regulation in vitamin D-insufficient individuals

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether vitamin D status is related to blood pressure (BP) in adults. Methods: We evaluated the relationship between vitamin D status, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and BP in 332 adults. Anthropometric measurements, BP, and a fasting blood sample was obtained. Participants were stratified into the following BP categories: 1) normal BP; 2) high BP; 3) normal BP through medication. Vitamin D insufficiency was defined as 25-hydroxvitamin D <= 75 nmol/L; high iPTH as > 65 pg/mL. The relationships between vitamin D status, iPTH and BP were adjusted for body mass index, waist circumference, blood lipids, physical activity, and sunscreen use. Results: No differences in prevalences of vitamin D insufficiency and high iPTH were observed among BP groups. No significant association was observed between BP and vitamin D status. Positive correlations were observed between iPTH and systolic BP (r = 0.168; P = 0.002) and between iPTH and diastolic BP (r = 0.168; P = 0.002). iPTH remained correlated with BP even with adjustments. Conclusions: The present study contributes to the understanding of calcemic hormones and BP regulation. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.