Validating the Benefits of Potassium

Investigators recently found that reducing sodium intake, increasing potassium intake and consuming potassium-containing salt substitutes (to help reduce sodium intake) can most likely reduce blood pressure in adults, according to a review of previously published studies  conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). This is good news for those already suffering from hypertension.

A healthful level of potassium consumption is important in managing high blood pressure because potassium helps to lessen the effects of sodium, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). For example, the more potassium consumed, the more sodium one excretes. Potassium also can help reduce tension in blood vessel walls, which helps lower blood pressure further, the AHA says.

Key takeaways from the AHRQ review also include higher sodium intake may be associated with increased risk for developing hypertension. In addition, boosting potassium intake most likely decreases blood pressure in adults with high blood pressure. Researchers also found evidence that sodium intake is associated with all-cause mortality and, in turn, that reducing sodium may decrease the risk for cardiovascular disease-related morbidity and mortality.

For the study, AHRQ investigators reviewed 257 publications reporting on 171 studies, collecting evidence from studies deemed eligible on the effects of dietary sodium and potassium intake on chronic disease outcomes and related risk factors. It is likely that the findings from this review may also inform guidance for the upcoming 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans to be developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Effects of Dietary Sodium and Potassium Intake on Chronic Disease Outcomes and Related Risk Factors,” March 6, 2018. Go to: https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/topics/sodium-potassium/final-report-2018

American Heart Association, “How Potassium Can Help Control High Blood Pressure,” updated January 29, 2018. Go to: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/MakeChangesThatMatter/How-Potassium-Can-Help-Control-High-Blood-Pressure_UCM_303243_Article.jsp#.Wq2AdKjwaUk