Nutritional Advice El Mondo
Objectives:
Epidemiologic studies, including trials, suggest an association between potassium intake and blood pressure (BP). However, the strength and shape of this relationship is uncertain. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.
What is the strength and shape of the relationship between potassium intake and blood pressure (BP)?
Study design:
This review article included 32 RCTs with a duration ≥4 weeks using the recently developed 1‐stage cubic spline regression model. This model allows use of trials with at least 2 exposure categories.
Most trials were conducted in adults with hypertension using a crossover design and potassium supplementation doses that ranged from 30 to 140 mmol (1173 and 5474 mg) per day.
Results and conclusions:
The investigators found a U‐shaped relationship between 24‐hour active and control arm differences in potassium excretion and blood pressure (BP) levels, with weakening of the blood pressure reduction effect above differences of 30 mmol/d and a blood pressure increase above differences ≈80 mmol/d.
The investigators found achieved potassium excretion analysis also identified a U‐shaped relationship. The blood pressure lowering effects of potassium supplementation were stronger in participants with hypertension and at higher levels of sodium intake.
The investigators found blood pressure increased with high potassium excretion in participants with antihypertensive drug‐treated hypertension but not in their untreated counterparts.
The investigators concluded that an adequate intake of potassium (≤30 mmol (1173 mg) per day) is desirable to achieve a lower blood pressure level but excessive potassium supplementation (>80 mmol (3128 mg) per day) should be avoided, particularly in specific subgroups.
Original title:
Potassium Intake and Blood Pressure: A Dose‐Response Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials by Filippini T, Naska A, […], Whelton PK.
Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on potassium consumption and lowering of blood pressure right here.