The ratio potassium-to-magnesium intake and high blood pressure

To analyse whether the weight ratio of potassium-to-magnesium intake is associated with incident high blood pressure, in otherwise healthy individuals.

A total of 529 healthy individuals were enrolled in a cross-sectional study and allocated into following groups: group 1) potassium and magnesium intake within Recommended Dietary Allowance; group 2) magnesium intake as recommended and potassium intake below of recommended dietary allowance; group 3) potassium intake as recommended and magnesium intake below of recommended dietary allowance; and group 4) magnesium and potassium intake below recommended dietary allowance. Groups in study were matched by sodium and calcium intake. A "24 hours recall" questionnaire was used to register all intakes of food and drinks for two consecutive days. Multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted by sex, waist circumference, and triglycerides levels was used to compute the odds ratio between intakes of magnesium and potassium with the high blood pressure.

High blood pressure was identified in 155 (29.3%) individuals. There were no statistical significant differences by obesity and overweight between the groups. As compared with individuals in the group 1, the potassium-to-magnesium ratio (odds ratio 0.88; 95%CI 0.85-0.93) but not the isolated magnesium and potassium intake per se, was inversely associated to high blood pressure in the subjects of group 4; individuals in the groups 2 and 3 showed no association.

Our results suggest that, in healthy individuals with magnesium and potassium intake below recommended dietary allowance, the high potassium-to-magnesium ratio is inversely associated with incident high blood pressure.