Researchers Urge Dual Sodium-Potassium Strategy for 1.28 Billion Adults With Hypertension
Updated
Updated · Sci.News · Aug 4
Researchers Urge Dual Sodium-Potassium Strategy for 1.28 Billion Adults With Hypertension
3 articles · Updated · Sci.News · Aug 4
Summary
A new perspective paper argues hypertension control should pair higher potassium intake with lower sodium, rather than relying mainly on sodium cuts.
WHO recommends under 2,000 mg of sodium and over 3,500 mg of potassium daily, but global sodium intake is about double that limit while potassium intake often falls short.
The authors say sodium-only policies have been hard to sustain because processed and restaurant foods drive intake, while kidney biology—the renal potassium switch—helps explain why low-potassium, high-sodium diets raise blood pressure.
Clinical evidence, including China’s salt-substitute stroke study, found potassium-based replacements lowered blood pressure and cardiovascular events; modeling suggests much of the gain came from added potassium.
The paper backs sodium-to-potassium reformulation targets, more promotion of fruits and vegetables, and wider access to potassium-rich foods, while warning potassium salt substitutes may not suit people with advanced kidney disease.