title: The effect of low-dose potassium supplementation on blood pressure in apparently healthy volunteers.
abstract: Epidemiological and clinical trials suggest an inverse relationship between dietary K intake and blood pressure (BP). Most trials however have been of short duration, the dose of K was high, and the results have been conflicting. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect on BP of a low-dose supplementation (24 mmol/d) for an extended period. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted on fifty-nine volunteers, randomly assigned to receive 24 mmol slow-release KCl/d (n 30) or a placebo (n 29). Measures of BP, anthropometric characteristics and urine analysis for electrolytes were recorded during a 1-week baseline period. Supplementation was for 6 weeks during which BP and changes in weight were assessed and a second 24 h urine collection made. The primary outcome was the change in mean arterial pressure (MAP); systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were secondary outcomes. After 6 weeks of supplementation MAP was reduced by 7.01 (95 % CI -9.12, -4.89; P<0.001) mmHg, SBP was reduced by 7.60 (95 % CI -10.46, -4.73; P<0.001) mmHg and DBP was reduced by 6.46 (95 % CI -8.74, -4.19; P<0.001) mmHg. The reduction in MAP was positively associated with baseline urinary Na:K (P<0.034). A low daily dietary supplement of K, equivalent to the content of five portions of fresh fruits and vegetables, induced a substantial reduction in MAP, similar in effect to single-drug therapy for hypertension.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 8WD, UK. alessandro.braschi@kcl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Donald J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Naismith
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Braschi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002712:Chlorides / Q000652:urine; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003864:Depression, Chemical; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011188:Potassium / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000652:urine; D012964:Sodium / Q000652:urine
chemical_list: D002712:Chlorides; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium