Macronutrients, dietary patterns, and blood pressure

Dietary intake is closely related to blood pressure (BP) control. Besides sodium, many nutrients and minerals have been examined for their relationship with BP. In this chapter, we review the epidemiologic and clinical trial evidences for the potential impact of the intake of macronutrients, including protein, fat, carbohydrate, fi ber, and alcohol, and of dietary patterns on hypertension and BP control. Data from meta-analyses or well-designed randomized trials and prospective studies with a large sample size are included in this review. It should be noted that although metaanalyses are useful for evaluating consistency in the literature, they tend to weigh large studies more heavily [1,2], and it is rarely feasible to conduct subanalyses on potentially important modifying factors or to account for variable dietary adherence among studies.

Duke Scholars

Author Pao-Hwa Lin Medicine, Nephrology