Modest Sodium Reduction Increases Circulating Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Untreated Hypertensives: A Randomized,...

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Cardiovascular health
• Nutritional science

Background:

• High-sodium diets are linked to gut microbiome modulation.
• Circulating short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are microbial metabolites.
• Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test if modest sodium reduction alters circulating SCFA concentrations in untreated hypertensives.
• To determine if SCFA changes correlate with blood pressure and cardiovascular improvements.
• To investigate potential sex differences in SCFA response to sodium reduction.

Main Methods:

• Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial.
• 145 untreated hypertensive participants received sodium or placebo tablets for 6 weeks.
• Targeted circulating SCFA profiling and cardiovascular outcome measures were performed.

Main Results:

• Sodium reduction significantly increased 8 circulating SCFAs, including 2-methylbutyrate, butyrate, hexanoate, isobutyrate, and valerate.
• Increased SCFAs correlated with decreased blood pressure and improved arterial compliance.
• Females showed significant increases in specific SCFAs (butyrate, hexanoate, isobutyrate, isovalerate, valerate) not observed in males.

Conclusions:

• Dietary sodium reduction increases circulating SCFAs in humans, suggesting a link between sodium intake and gut microbiome activity.
• Significant sex differences exist in SCFA response to sodium reduction.
• Elevated SCFAs are associated with improved blood pressure and arterial compliance, particularly in females.