Low levels of vitamin D in the body may play a role in the development of high blood pressure, new genetic research suggests.

According to Australian scientists, there has been a lot of interest in this area, but until now, no direct link between vitamin D and high blood pressure has been found.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a ‘silent predator' because it rarely carries any signs or symptoms, despite causing damage to blood vessels and the heart. A person can look and feel well even if they have it. The condition is a major cause of heart attack and stroke and two in three Irish people over the age of 45 are affected.

As part of their study, the scientists assessed genetic data from a study involving over 146,000 people in Europe and North America.

They found that people with higher vitamin D concentrations in their body had lower blood pressure and a decreased risk of going on to develop hypertension. They suggested that for some types of hypertension, vitamin D supplementation could be an effective combatant.

Vitamin D is present in very few foods, so some people opt to take supplements. It is also known as the sunshine vitamin because it is made in the body when the ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin.

"In view of the costs and side-effects associated with antihypertensive drugs, the potential to prevent or reduce blood pressure and therefore the risk of hypertension with vitamin D is very attractive," commented the study's leader, Prof Elina Hyppönen, of the University of South Australia.

However, she acknowledged that further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Details of these findings are published in the journal, The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.