Comparison of Energy and Nutrient Intakes in Women with High and Low Blood Pressure Levels

Abstract

No link was found between the intake of energy and various nutrients and high or low blood pressure (BP) in women. Sixty women not on treatment for hypertension were selected from a defined population and examined, applying the duplicate portion technique, with respect to the relationships between BP and the intake of energy and nutrients. They were selected from > 95th percentile for BP (group A) and from > 30th (group B). The 2 groups were age-matched. The food sampling comprised 6 days, divided into 3 periods of 2 consecutive days within a period of 4 wk. Urine specimens (24 h) were collected in each period and on 2 other occasions. The mean values for intake of energy, fat, protein, carbohydrates, minerals and electrolytes did not differ between the 2 groups despite the large differences in BP and obesity. The mean values for urinary excretion of minerals, electrolytes and N (calculated as crude protein) did not differ between the groups. Restriction of the salt intake as a means for decreasing BP in the population is not justified.