Effect of potassium supplementation on blood pressure in Chinese: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of potassium supplementation on blood pressure (BP) in a Chinese population who consume a habitual high sodium and low potassium diet.


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.


METHODS
Community sample from Beijing, China.


METHODS
A total of 150 men and women aged 35-64 years with an initial systolic BP 130-159 mmHg and/or diastolic BP 80-94 mmHg.


METHODS
Participants were randomly assigned to take 60 mmol potassium chloride supplement or placebo for 12 weeks.


METHODS
BP measurements were obtained at baseline, and at 6 weeks and 12 weeks during the trial, using random-zero sphygmomanometers.


RESULTS
The average baseline urinary excretion of sodium and potassium was 182 mmol/24 h and 36 mmol/24 h. Baseline BP and other measured variables were similar between the potassium supplementation and placebo groups. In the active compared to the placebo treatment group, the urinary excretion of potassium was significantly increased by 20.6 mmol/24 h (P< 0.001) during 12 weeks of intervention. Compared to placebo, active treatment was associated with a significant reduction in systolic BP (-5.00 mmHg, 95% CI: -2.13 to -7.88 mmHg, P < 0.001) but not diastolic BP (-0.63 mmHg, 95% CI: -2.49 to1.23 mmHg, P = 0.51) during 12-week intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
These data indicate that moderate potassium supplementation resulted in a substantial reduction in systolic BP. Our findings suggest that increased potassium intake may play an important role in the prevention and treatment of hypertension in China.
Gu
D
D
Cardiovascular Institute and Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR.
He
J
J
Wu
X
X
Duan
X
X
Whelton
P K
PK
D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D002681:China; D003971:Diastole; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009318:Natriuresis; D010919:Placebos; D011188:Potassium / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000652:urine; D013599:Systole
D010919:Placebos; D011188:Potassium