Socioeconomic Differences in Nutrient Intake, Metabolite Profiles, and Blood Pressure: The African-PREDICT Study

Socioeconomic status (SES) affects lifestyle behaviors and may influence blood pressure (BP). Food availability, accessibility, and affordability determine individual and population food consumption, and therefore the food metabolome.

We determined if BP differs between SES groups, and whether this difference is associated with the intake of nutrients between SES groups and nutrient-related metabolites.

This cross-sectional, observational study analyzed the data of 479 Black and 503 White participants (aged 20-30 y) from the African-PREDICT study. Nutrient intakes were determined using 24-h dietary recalls. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory BP was measured. Metabolites were analyzed in spot urine samples using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

In Black and White adults, the high SES groups had higher diastolic BP compared with the low SES groups (Black: mean difference = 2.52 mmHg (95% CI: 0.69, 4.35; P = 0.004) (White: mean difference = 2.20 mmHg (95% CI: 0.68, 3.73; P = 0.002). In Black participants, nutrients that differed between the SES groups were not related to BP. Waist circumference showed an increasing trend across the SES spectrum and was positively associated with BP. In White participants, the high SES group had higher total protein, animal protein, total fat, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and alpha-linolenic acid intake than their low SES counterparts (all P < 0.05), which were all positively associated with systolic BP (all P < 0.05). Additionally, animal protein intake was related to urinary proline (Std β = -0.137), which was associated with systolic BP (Std β = -0.087) and diastolic BP (Std β = -0.101).

SES is related to BP in young adults, with body composition and nutrient intake being associated factors of this relationship. A healthy body weight and adhering to nutritional guidelines are essential in regulating BP.