Does a high-potassium meal help blood vessels after eating?
Postprandial Vascular Effects of a High Potassium Meal in Patients with Treated Hypertension
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Scientists tested if eating food with lots of potassium helps blood vessels work better right after a meal in people with high blood pressure. They gave them two meals: one with lots of potassium and one with little.
Surprising Findings
Diastolic BP increased after high-potassium meal
Common belief is potassium lowers BP, but this study found a small but significant rise in diastolic pressure despite higher serum potassium levels
Practical Takeaways
Focus on overall dietary patterns (like DASH diet) rather than single meals for potassium benefits
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Scientists tested if eating food with lots of potassium helps blood vessels work better right after a meal in people with high blood pressure. They gave them two meals: one with lots of potassium and one with little.
Surprising Findings
Diastolic BP increased after high-potassium meal
Common belief is potassium lowers BP, but this study found a small but significant rise in diastolic pressure despite higher serum potassium levels
Practical Takeaways
Focus on overall dietary patterns (like DASH diet) rather than single meals for potassium benefits
Publication
Journal
Nutrients
Year
2024
Authors
Daniela Malta, Sam Esfandiari, Livia A. Goldraich, Johane P Allard, Gary E. Newton
Related Content
Claims (8)
Processed foods are typically low in potassium, which normally aids sodium excretion and vascular relaxation, exacerbating hypertension when combined with high sodium and refined carbs.
One hour after eating a high-potassium meal, people with controlled high blood pressure have higher blood fat levels compared to a low-potassium meal, which is a statistically significant difference.
Eating meals with different potassium levels doesn't change the size of the radial artery or how much blood flow increases after a temporary blockage in people with controlled high blood pressure.
For people with controlled high blood pressure, eating a meal with lots of potassium doesn't change how well their blood vessels relax at the start of the meal compared to a meal with less potassium.
When people with controlled high blood pressure eat a meal high in potassium, their blood potassium levels go up significantly compared to a low-potassium meal, especially within an hour and two hours after eating.