Stamler J, Elliott P, Kesteloot H, Nichols R, Glaeys G, Dyer AR, Stamler R, for the INTERSALT Group
Inverse relationship between dietary protein markers and blood pressure -- findings for 10,020 men and women in Intersalt
16th Scientific Meeting of the International Society of Hypertension
ISH Abstract Book (Jun) 16: 1996

This analysis of the INTERSALT data base investigates the relation between blood pressure (BP) with markers of dietary protein. Three measurements of dietary protein in 24-hour urines were considered: total nitrogen (N) and urea as indices of total protein intake, and sulphate as index of S-containing dietary amino acids. Repeat examination in a random 8% of participants was done to assess reliability and correct for regression-dilution bias.

Significant independent inverse relationships were found between BP (systolic, diastolic) and both 24-hour urinary total nitrogen and urea N, with adjustment for age, sex, alcohol intake, body mass, 24-hour urinary Na, K, Ca, Mg. With multivariate adjustment also for regression-dilution bias, it was estimated that systolic BP/diastolic BP was on average 3.0/2.5 mmHg lower for persons with dietary total protein intake 30% above the overall mean compared to those 30% below the overall mean (12.94 vs. 6.96 g/day urinary total N, equivalent to 81 vs. 44 g/day dietary protein). Relations of these markers to BP were not significantly different for individuals with lower and higher body mass index, and for persons from samples with lower and higher BMI. For the association of these markers with diastolic BP, results were similar for younger (ages 20-) and older (age 40-) persons, and for women and men. For their relation to systolic pressure, regression coefficients were larger for those ages 40-than for those ages 20-, and for women than men. Non-significant inverse relationships were recorded for urinary sulphate and BP.

Comment: These INTERSALT findings lend support to the hypothesis that higher dietary protein intake has favourable _not adverse _influences on blood pressure (Carmine Zoccali, M.D, Reggio Calabria, Italy).

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16th Scientific Meeting of the International Society of Hypertension
H: Non drug therapy : Dietary/electrolyte therapy