The answer to why people of African descent are more likely to suffer from hypertension may be a difference in vitamin D levels, a new study conducted by University of Rochester researchers report.

Before the results of this research, scientists had assumed that African Americans were more susceptible to hypertension due to the way that their bodies processed salt. However, this research suggests that inadequate vitamin D status may explain this heart health gap.

The study, published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, examined medical records and vitamin D status of approximately 10,000 black and white adults. They found that blacks were much more likely to be vitamin D deficient, the result of vitamin D production differences in the skin.

Those with the lowest vitamin D levels also tended to have the highest blood pressure. The study authors also note that, in addition to vitamin D status, lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity levels still play an important role.

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