Vegetarian diet in mild hypertension: a randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Cardiovascular Health
• Dietary Interventions

Background:

• Mild hypertension is a prevalent condition requiring effective management strategies.
• Dietary patterns play a crucial role in cardiovascular health and blood pressure regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of an ovolactovegetarian diet on systolic blood pressure in individuals with mild, untreated hypertension.
• To assess nutrient intake changes associated with the vegetarian diet and their correlation with blood pressure.
• To evaluate the reversibility of blood pressure changes upon resuming a meat-inclusive diet.

Main Methods:

• A randomized crossover trial involving 58 participants aged 30-64 with mild hypertension.
• Participants were assigned to either a control (omnivorous diet) or an ovolactovegetarian diet for two six-week periods.
• Nutrient intake, urinary electrolyte excretion, and body weight were monitored throughout the study.

Main Results:

• A notable reduction in systolic blood pressure (approximately 5 mm Hg) was observed during the vegetarian diet periods.
• Resuming a meat-inclusive diet corresponded with a rise in systolic blood pressure.
• Key nutrient shifts included increased polyunsaturated to saturated fat ratio, fiber, calcium, and magnesium, with decreased protein and vitamin B12.

Conclusions:

• Adopting an ovolactovegetarian diet can lead to a clinically significant decrease in systolic blood pressure for individuals with mild hypertension.
• Dietary modification towards a vegetarian pattern presents a promising non-pharmacological intervention for managing hypertension.
• The observed blood pressure changes were reversible, highlighting the direct impact of diet.