DEAR DR. GOTT: Have you heard of the supplement Ameal bp for maintaining blood pressure within the normal range? If so, can it work successfully?

DEAR READER: Ameal consists of two bioactive tripeptides — valyl prolyl proline (VPP) and isoleucyl prolyl proline (IPP) — that are extracted from milk proteins. The product is purported to block biochemical reactions in the body that can cause blood vessels to narrow and result in rising hypertension. It should be used in conjunction with proper diet and regular exercise.

While you ask about maintaining readings within the normal range, you don't indicate whether you have been diagnosed as pre-hypertensive or whether you clearly have hypertension. You also don't specify other pertinent facts such as your age, gender, race and family history.

Blood pressure tends to increase as we age. This is likely because the arteries and arterioles become less elastic, preventing them from working as efficiently as they did before.

Hypertension is more common in men than in women between the ages of 35 and 50. At the age of 55, the rates are relatively equal. By 65, the rates for women surpass those of men.

African-Americans are twice as likely to develop hypertension as are Caucasians, and the condition is generally more severe.

Last but not least, hypertension runs in families. People with a family history of heart attack or stroke at a young age run an increased risk of developing hypertension.

Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against arterial walls as it is pumped from the heart throughout the body. A normal reading is 120/80 millimeters of mercury. High blood pressure occurs when readings become elevated beyond the figures quoted.

Were I to provide guidelines, I would prefer you exercise regardless of your weight. If appropriate, begin a weight-loss program, discontinue smoking, eliminate salt from your diet, and reduce or discontinue any alcohol consumption. These steps should keep your blood pressure in check without the use of supplements.

Work with your physician to determine whether you truly have high blood pressure, and get his or her views on other ways of bringing your levels down. Request a trial of my suggestions, if appropriate, as well as the other recommendations presented to you at your meeting. Following that, if prescription medication is necessary, you can be guided accordingly.

DEAR DR. GOTT: Your advice about distilled vinegar really works. I had a spot on my forehead my doctor told me wasn't cancer — just to use creams to deal with it.

I started using vinegar 34 days ago, and the spot is completely healed. I have been applying it to a wart, and that is almost gone, too. This is to encourage you to continue writing your column. I can't tell you how happy this makes me because I do not have this unsightly spot on my face, and I don't need a surgeon. Thank you.

DEAR READER: It never ceases to amaze me when remedies are often found in a kitchen cupboard. As with many medications, I am sure distilled vinegar will not work successfully for everyone in curing warts and a plethora of other conditions. However, I'm glad it did for you.