Threshold Effects of Dietary Calcium on Blood Pressure

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
H. William Gruchow, Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: The relationships of calcium and dietary sodium, potassium and alcohol to blood pressures were studied at three different levels of dietary calcium intake by adults in the Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HANES) I sample. At low calcium intakes (<400 mg/day), after adjustment for age and body mass index, the strongest dietary correlates of blood pressure were the ratio of sodium to potassium (Na:K), and alcohol (P < 0.01). At higher calcium intakes alcohol, but not Na:K, was significantly related to blood pressures. Neither sodium nor potassium was separately related to blood pressure when the Na:K ratio was included in the regression model. The threshold effect of calcium was observed in all race-gender groups. These results indicate: (i) the Na:K is a more important correlate of blood pressure than either nutrient alone; and (2) a low calcium intake is necessary for the Na:K ratio to maximally affect blood pressure.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Hypertension 1986,4 (suppl 5):8355-8357
Language: English
Date: 1986
Keywords
alcohol use, calcium, hypertension, potassium, sodium

Email this document to