Role of vegetables and fruits in Mediterranean diets to prevent hypertension.
OBJECTIVE
Several studies support the effectiveness of increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V) to prevent hypertension. However, none of them have been conducted in a Mediterranean setting. The aim of this study was to assess the association between F&V consumption and the risk of hypertension.


METHODS
A prospective Mediterranean study (the SUN cohort), including 8594 participants aged 20-95 years (mean, 41.1) with median follow-up of 49 months.


RESULTS
Analyses according to the joint classification by olive oil and F&V consumption showed a significant inverse relation between F&V consumption and the risk of hypertension only among participants with a low olive oil consumption (<15 g per day). Also, tests for trend were significant only in the low olive oil intake stratum.


CONCLUSIONS
We found a statistically significant interaction (P=0.01) between olive oil intake and F&V consumption. These data suggest a sub-additive effect of both food items.
Nuñez-Cordoba
J M
JM
Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. jorge.nun@gmail.com
Alonso
A
A
Beunza
J J
JJ
Palma
S
S
Gomez-Gracia
E
E
Martinez-Gonzalez
M A
MA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000069463:Olive Oil; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014675:Vegetables
D000069463:Olive Oil; D010938:Plant Oils