Mechanisms Underlying the Protective Vascular Effects of Dietary Potassium in Humans

Significant public health efforts have been made towards salt reduction but most have met with failure. Dietary factors such high sodium/low potassium diets contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as atherosclerosis and high blood pressure (BP). This is important as CVD is the number one killer in the U.S. While the role of these two nutrients on BP is widely accepted, their impact on the vasculature has received less attention. Endothelial dysfunction, characterized by impaired dilation, is an important non-traditional risk factor for atherosclerosis. Evidence supporting potassium's beneficial role on vascular health remains unclear although it may be more effective in the presence of a high sodium diet. A purported mechanism responsible for sodium-induced vascular dysfunction is overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting in reduced nitric oxide (NO) production/bioavailability. Additionally, high sodium diets have been shown to stiffen the endothelium. This investigation will evaluate the vascular effects of dietary potassium during a high salt diet including its impact on sodium-induced oxidative stress and endothelial cell stiffness.

Inclusion criteria

• healthy
• normal blood pressure
• normal resting ECG

Exclusion criteria

• hypertension
• history of heart disease
• diabetes
• kidney disease
• obese (BMI ≥30)
• significant weight changes in the last 6 months
• use of tobacco products
• pregnant
• on a special diet (gluten free; vegan)
• take any medications for the above conditions
• endurance trained athletes