In May 2019 researchers from China published the results of their study to assess the association between gut microbiota dysbiosis (an imbalance between the types of organism present in an individual’s natural gut microflora), vitamin D deficiency and hypertension. There is increasing evidence to suggest that gut microbiota dysbiosis and vitamin D deficiency each play an important role during the progression of hypertension. In this study, a total of 34 individuals with hypertension and 15 healthy controls were included. Faecal microbiota, gut microbiota composition and the interaction between gut microbiota and vitamin D was analysed in each individual. Results showed that vitamin D levels were significantly decreased in the faeces of individuals with hypertension and was related to altered gut microbiota. In addition, low vitamin D levels were associated with hypertension reduced bacterial family groupings, including Subdoligranulum, Ruminiclostridium, Intestinimonas, Pseudoflavonifractor, Paenibacillus and Marvinbryantia. The researchers concluded by stating that an imbalance of the gut microbiome may contribute to hypertension by also limiting vitamin D production.
Zuo K et al. Dysbiotic gut microbes may contribute to hypertension by limiting vitamin D production. Clin Cardiol. 2019 May 17. [Epub ahead of print]