Relationship Between Dietary Patterns and Blood Pressure During Adolescence: A Longitudinal Analysis From Dados Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Cardiovascular Health
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Healthy dietary patterns are linked to blood pressure (BP) control in adults.
• Research on diet and BP during adolescence is limited and conflicting.
• Adolescent BP tracking into adulthood highlights the need for early interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence and fresh fruit/vegetable intake.
• To assess the impact of baseline diet on BP changes over two years in adolescents.

Main Methods:

• 197 adolescents (aged 13.9±0.3 years) were analyzed.
• Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence was assessed using the KIDMED questionnaire.
• Food frequency questionnaires and automatic sphygmomanometry were used for diet and BP measurements.

Main Results:

• High MD adherence and vegetable consumption were associated with smaller increases in diastolic BP over two years.
• The observed reduction in diastolic BP changes ranged from approximately 48% to 88%.
• No significant associations were found for systolic BP changes.

Conclusions:

• Promoting the Mediterranean diet (MD) and vegetable intake is crucial for managing diastolic BP in adolescents.
• These dietary strategies may contribute to reducing long-term cardiovascular risk.
• Early dietary interventions during adolescence are important for lifelong health.