THE IMPACT OF A FRUIT AND VEGETABLE DIET ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN A COMMUNITY OF AFRICAN DESCENT. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nyundu, T.; Maseko, E.; Mashao, M.; Raheem, A.; Maseko, M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hypertension. Volume 36(2018)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Hypertension -- Periodicals; Hypertension -- Periodicals; 616.132005
• DOI: 10.1097/01.hjh.0000539468.89549.d4
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-5598

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: It is widely reported that a western type of diet, with an excessive Na+ intake and low K+ intake is associated with an increase in BP. Consequently, global strategies have focused on the reduction of Na+ while increasing K+ though a high intake of fruits and vegetables. Whether these strategies can benefit communities of African ancestry with a high prevalence of salt sensitive hypertension is currently unknown. We therefore studied the effects of an exclusively vegetarian diet over a three week period on the sodium-to-potassium ratio and BP in a black South African population. Design and method: We recruited 80 participants of African ancestry from the South-Western township of Johannesburg South Africa to partake on a three week (21 days) exclusively vegetarian diet. We measured conventional BP and collected 24-hour urine samples before and after the diet on all the participants. Anthropometric measurements were taken before and after the diet and a standard questionnaire was issued to determine lifestyle habits and history of medication. A blood sample was collected to determine lipid profiles. Results: There was a significant reduction in 24-hour urinary Na+ (p = 0.0135) while urinary K+ excretion increased significantly (p = 0.0256). This led to a significant decrease in the sodium-to-potassium ratio (p = 0.0011). Plasma insulin was also significantly reduced (p = 0.0301). Systolic BP was significantly reduced (p = 0.0247) while there was no significant reduction in diastolic BP (p = 0.0551). Conclusions: In a population sample of African ancestry, a three week exclusive vegetarian diet results in reduced urinary sodium excretion (an index of dietary sodium intake) and an increased urinary potassium excretion (an index of dietary potassium intake) resulting in a reduced systolic BP. Therefore, dietary strategies to increase fruit and vegetable intake at a community level could lead to the effective control of BP in salt sensitive African communities easing the burden of patient care on the resource limited health care system.