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A randomized trial of sodium intake and blood pressure in newborn infants
Insights
A study on newborn infants found that a low-sodium diet significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (BP) compared to a normal-sodium diet over six months. This suggests dietary sodium intake is causally linked to BP levels in infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiovascular Health
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Elevated blood pressure (BP) in infancy can have long-term health implications.
- Dietary factors, particularly sodium intake, are suspected contributors to BP regulation.
- Understanding early-life BP determinants is crucial for preventative health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal relationship between dietary sodium intake and blood pressure (BP) in newborn infants.
- To quantify the effect of a low-sodium diet versus a normal-sodium diet on systolic BP during the first six months of life.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind randomized controlled trial involving 476 newborn infants (245 normal-sodium, 231 low-sodium).
- Dietary sodium intake was monitored, with the normal-sodium group consuming approximately three times more sodium than the low-sodium group.
- Systolic blood pressure (BP) was measured monthly from the first week up to 25 weeks of age.
Main Results:
- Infants on a low-sodium diet exhibited a 2.1 mm Hg lower systolic BP at 25 weeks compared to the normal-sodium group.
- A significant increase in the BP difference between the groups was observed over the first six months.
- The findings indicate a dose-dependent relationship between sodium intake and BP in early infancy.
Conclusions:
- Reduced dietary sodium intake in newborns leads to lower systolic blood pressure.
- Early-life sodium consumption is a significant factor influencing infant blood pressure development.
- These results support the hypothesis that sodium intake is causally related to BP levels, highlighting the importance of infant dietary sodium management.
Abstract:
We studied the effect of dietary sodium on BP in a double-blind randomized trial with 245 newborn infants assigned to a normal-sodium diet and 231 to a low-sodium diet during the first six months of life. The sodium intake of the normal-sodium group was almost three times that of the low-sodium group. Systolic BP was measured every month from the first week until the 25th week. At 25 weeks, systolic pressure was 2.1 mm Hg lower in the low-sodium group than in the normal-sodium group. The difference between the groups increased significantly during the first six months of life. These observations are in agreement with the view that sodium intake is causally related to BP level.
