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Protective effect of optimal vegetable intake on blood pressure levels in children
Fenglin Xu1, Sipei Xu2, Ping Qu1
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Metabolism and Inflammatory Diseases, Key Laboratory of Children's Vital Organ Development and Diseases of Chongqing Health Commission, Chongqing, China.
Insights
Increasing vegetable intake in children can help lower blood pressure (BP). Consuming at least 7.80 g/day per kg body weight offers significant BP protection for children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Cardiovascular Health in Children
- Dietary Impact on Public Health
Background:
- Limited research exists on the relationship between vegetable consumption and blood pressure (BP) in children.
- Childhood obesity and hypertension are growing public health concerns, necessitating dietary interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of vegetable intake on children's blood pressure (BP).
- To determine an optimal daily vegetable consumption amount for BP regulation in children.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 10,391 children aged 6-12 years, with a longitudinal follow-up of 1863 children.
- Analysis using multiple linear and logistic regression models to assess the association between vegetable intake and BP levels or elevated BP.
- Subgroup analyses were performed to identify specific demographic or environmental factors influencing the relationship.
Main Results:
- Higher vegetable intake (≥7.80 g/day/kg) was associated with lower systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP).
- Vegetable consumption demonstrated a negative association with SBP, particularly in males, children over 9 years, and those in rural areas.
- A daily intake of ≥7.80 g/day/kg was linked to a reduced risk of elevated BP and showed a protective effect on children's BP over time. Recommended intake: 100-250 g/day for normal weight, >250 g/day for overweight/obese children.
Conclusions:
- Adequate vegetable consumption is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels in children.
- A recommended daily intake of ≥7.80 g/day/kg of vegetables is suggested for effective BP protection in pediatric populations.
Objectives:
Studies about the relationship between vegetable intake and blood pressure (BP) in children were relatively scarce. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of vegetable consumption on children's BP and to find an appropriate vegetable consumption amount.
Study Design:
Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Study.
Methods:
The study included 10,391 children aged 6-12 years from a cohort established in 2014, with a mean age of 9.24(7.76,10.83) years, of which 1863 children (in grades 1 to 2 at baseline) followed up in 2019. A multiple linear and logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between vegetable intake and BP levels or elevated BP in children, as well as performed in subgroups.
Results:
The samples was categorized into three groups(Q1-Q3) according to the amount of vegetable intake per unit body weight (Kg), with vegetable intake of <3.85, 3.85-7.80, ≥7.80 g/d × kg respectively. Vegetable intake in Q3 group showed a relatively lower systolic BP(SBP), diastolic BP(DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP). By linear regression analysis, vegetable intake was negatively associated with SBP in children. And it is more obvious among males, children aged >9 years and those living in countryside. The logistic regression showed that the intake of vegetables may reduce a risk of elevated BP in children. Furthermore, a consumption of vegetable ≥7.80 g/d × kg had a significant protective effect on children's BP. The follow-up study results also showed that children with a consumption of vegetable ≥7.80 g/d × kg had the lowest SBP, compared to the highest blood pressure group (<3.85 g/d × kg) in 2019. Moreover, the recommended vegetable intake for children with normal weight is 100-250 g/d, while those who are overweight and obese are recommended to consume >250 g/d of vegetables.
Conclusion:
Vegetable intake may protect BP levels in children, and vegetable intake in the range of ≥7.80 g/d × kg was a recommended dosage for children's BP protection.
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