News - Hypertension Week of Nov. 16, 2003/ Vol. 2 No. 46

Study: Tetrahydrobiopterin Supplements Help Lower Blood Pressure

Giving hypertension patients oral supplements of tetrahydrobiopterin may help lower their blood pressure, according to Emory University researchers.

Tetrahydrobiopterin is essential for the synthesis of nitric oxide in the body. A deficiency of this agent appears to play a role in the development of hypertension, according to the researchers.

The study involved eight patients with poorly controlled hypertension who were on traditional antihypertensive therapy. After being treated with oral tetrahydrobiopterin for three weeks, the participants experienced significant reductions in their blood pressure.

"While this is a small study and more research needs to be done, it does appear that tetrahydrobiopterin can lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension, an effect that is likely secondary to increased availability of nitric oxide and enhanced vasodilation," said study author Dr. Sonya Lefever, a senior cardiology fellow at Emory University Heart Center.

Other sources: Emory University Heart Center