Key Takeaways
Dietary supplements can significantly impact your health, particularly blood pressure levels.
Certain supplements that may raise blood pressure include licorice, bitter orange, guarana, Saint-John’s-wort, caffeine, and yohimbe.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before integrating any new supplements into your routine, especially if you have heart concerns or high blood pressure.
While many dietary supplements are available over the counter, their safety isn’t guaranteed. Some may unexpectedly elevate your blood pressure.
1. Licorice
Derived from the licorice root, this supplement is often sought for digestive issues, respiratory conditions, and as a boost for energy.
The glycyrrhizic acid (GA) in licorice can elevate blood pressure. This compound can lead to pseudohyperaldosteronism, causing high blood pressure, low potassium levels, and even complications like arrhythmias or cardiac arrest.
In 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) noted that up to 100 milligrams (mg) daily of GA is likely safe for most adults. However, increased consumption raises the risk of complications. A 2024 study indicated that licorice may have a more pronounced effect on blood pressure than previously understood, even at the recommended daily intake of 100 mg of GA.
Always consult your healthcare provider prior to using licorice supplements or consuming large amounts of GA-containing products.
2. Bitter Orange
Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) is commonly used in supplements aimed at weight loss and enhancing athletic performance.
Following the FDA’s ban of the stimulant ephedra due to safety issues, p-synephrine from bitter orange gained popularity. However, it has been shown to increase blood pressure.
Research found that prolonged use of bitter orange can elevate systolic and diastolic blood pressure by approximately 6 mm Hg and 4 mm Hg, respectively. It may also increase heart rate, raising the risk of serious cardiovascular events.
Studies show that bitter orange may not consistently aid in weight loss, leading to its recommendation against use due to potential risks.
3. Guarana
Commonly found in energy drinks and dietary supplements, guarana contains caffeine and related compounds such as theophylline and theobromine. It’s often marketed for weight loss and cognitive performance, yet large quantities are not considered safe.
The caffeine and its counterparts in guarana can enhance alertness but also have the potential to raise blood pressure. Consult your healthcare provider before incorporating this supplement.
4. Saint-John’s-Wort
This supplement is popular for alleviating depression and managing menopause symptoms, yet it carries risks.
Saint-John’s-wort may be associated with serotonin syndrome, a potentially dangerous condition resulting from too much serotonin. High blood pressure can be a symptom of this syndrome.
This risk increases when Saint-John’s-wort interacts with antidepressants or other substances that elevate serotonin. Always consult your healthcare provider before use.
5. Caffeine
Caffeine enhances alertness and energy and is a common ingredient in energy drinks and certain dietary supplements.
It’s well-documented that caffeine can elevate blood pressure. For individuals with hypertension, limiting caffeine intake is advisable for several reasons:
– Heavy coffee consumption (over two cups per day, around 200 mg of caffeine) correlates with a higher risk of heart-related mortality in those with severely elevated blood pressure.
– Over 400 mg of caffeine daily is linked to increased blood pressure and heart rates over time.
– Consuming more than 600 mg daily has associations with prolonged high blood pressure and heart rates, even after exercise and rest, potentially increasing heart disease risk.
Caffeine can come from various sources, not just supplements. If you have high blood pressure or heart issues, discuss safe caffeine levels with your healthcare provider.
6. Yohimbe/Yohimbine
Yohimbe, which contains yohimbine, is often used as a supplement for erectile dysfunction, athletic performance, and mood enhancement. Nonetheless, scientific backing is limited.
Yohimbine has been linked to severe issues like irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and seizures, leading to its banning in some countries.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider on Supplement Safety
Many common dietary supplements can lead to heightened blood pressure. Because supplements may contain multiple ingredients, any single one could impact your health significantly. For your safety, always discuss any new supplement with your healthcare provider before starting.
The FDA does not provide the same level of regulation for dietary supplements as it does for prescription medications. Consequently, some supplement products may not deliver the ingredients specified on the label.
When selecting a supplement, prioritize products that have been independently tested or certified by reputable organizations like NSF, U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), or ConsumerLab.com. For tailored advice, consult your healthcare provider, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or a pharmacist.
