Can Centrum increase blood pressure? 

Can Centrum increase blood pressure?

Centrum may or may not increase your blood pressure. The side effect is not that commonly reported, but it can increase blood pressure in people 60+ years of age. 

Although it’s not expected of multivitamins to alter your normal physiological functioning and many people have been taking Centrum for years and have never experienced high blood pressure, it still could happen (1,2). 

What factors can increase blood pressure while taking Centrum?

While Centrum is a multivitamin and not an actual medication, certain factors can contribute to an increase in blood pressure while taking it. These factors may include:

Sodium intake

Centrum may contain some sodium, and excessive sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure. It’s important to be mindful of your overall sodium intake from all sources, including your diet and any other supplements you may be taking (3).

Individual sensitivity

Each person’s body may respond differently to certain ingredients or components in Centrum. Some individuals may be more sensitive to certain nutrients or additives, which could potentially affect blood pressure.

Interactions with other medications

If you are taking other medications along with Centrum, there is a possibility of drug interactions that could affect blood pressure. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are taking to ensure there are no potential interactions.

Underlying health conditions

If you have pre-existing health conditions such as hypertension or cardiovascular issues, these conditions can interact with any supplement, including Centrum, and potentially affect blood pressure.

It’s always advisable to consult with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about blood pressure or any other health issues while taking Centrum or any other supplements. 

What to do if Centrum increases your blood pressure? 

Talk to your healthcare provider if you think Centrum is causing your blood pressure to go high. Your doctor will determine if it’s safe for you to continue using Centrum or not. 

If the multivitamin is making a significant change in your blood pressure, your doctor will most likely ask you to stop it. If you are a cardiac patient, your doctor may suggest Centrum Specialist – Heart Multivitamin. It’s specifically designed for heart health and it can help maintain healthy blood pressure. 

How to ensure the safe and effective use of Centrum?

The following points are important to ensure the safe and effective use of Centrum (1):

  • Take Centrum as directed on the packaging or as advised by your healthcare provider.
  • It is generally recommended to take Centrum with food to aid in absorption and minimize any potential stomach discomfort.
  • Stick to the recommended dosage and avoid taking more than the recommended amount.
  • If you’re considering taking additional supplements alongside Centrum, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider first to ensure they are safe and appropriate for you.
  • Familiarize yourself with the product label, including any warnings or precautions.
  • Keep Centrum in a cool, dry place and out of reach of children.
  • If you have any specific concerns or questions about using Centrum, it’s always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Final words

To sum up, Centrum does not affect your blood pressure, as its a multivitamin. However, people are different and they may have different factors affecting their blood pressure. If you are concerned about your BP going high while taking Centrum, please seek professional advice. 

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

References

1.-

Biesalski HK, Tinz J. Multivitamin/mineral supplements: Rationale and safety – A systematic review. Nutrition. 2017 Jan;33:76-82. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2016.02.013. Epub 2016 Mar 4. PMID: 27553772. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27553772/

2.-

Blumberg JB, Bailey RL, Sesso HD, Ulrich CM. The Evolving Role of Multivitamin/Multimineral Supplement Use among Adults in the Age of Personalized Nutrition. Nutrients. 2018 Feb 22;10(2):248. doi: 10.3390/nu10020248. PMID: 29470410; PMCID: PMC5852824. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29470410/

3.-

Hunter RW, Dhaun N, Bailey MA. The impact of excessive salt intake on human health. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2022 May;18(5):321-335. doi: 10.1038/s41581-021-00533-0. Epub 2022 Jan 20. PMID: 35058650. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35058650/