Nutrition Intervention
HTN: Effectiveness of Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)
➤ MNT provided by a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is recommended
to reduce blood pressure (BP) in adults with hypertension (HTN). A strong
body of research indicates that MNT provided by an RDN using individual or
group sessions reduces BP in persons with HTN or pre-hypertension. (Strong,
Imperative)
HTN: Duration and Frequency of MNT Encounters
➤ To reduce BP in adults with HTN, the RDN should provide MTN encounters at
least monthly for the first year. After the first year, the RDN should schedule
follow up sessions at least two to three times per year to maintain reductions
in BP. A strong body of research indicates that reductions in systolic blood
pressure (SBP) up to 10mm Hg and in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) up to
6mm Hg were achieved in the first three months of MNT provided every other
week for at least three sessions. Similar significant reductions in BP were
reported at six to 12 months when MNT was provided at least monthly, or
with follow-up provided after five or more sessions. Sustained reductions in
BP for up to four years was reported when MNT was provided at least two to
three times per year. (Strong, Imperative)
HTN: Vitamin D
➤ The RDN should encourage adults with HTN to consume adequate amounts
of vitamin D to meet the dietary reference intakes (DRI). While important for
health, vitamin D may or may not aid in BP control. Data from observational
and intervention studies are inconclusive regarding the association between
vitamin D status or intake (from supplements or food sources) and BP in
individuals with HTN. (Weak, Imperative)
HTN: Dietary Potassium
➤ The RDN should encourage adults with HTN to consume adequate amounts
of dietary potassium to meet the DRI to aid in BP control. Research indicates
that potassium excretion as a marker of dietary intake was inversely
associated with BP. In a dietary intervention study, increasing potassium
intake up to 2,000mg increased the likelihood of DBP control. (Fair,
Imperative)
HTN: Potassium Supplements
➤ If an adult with HTN is unable to meet the DRI for potassium with diet and
food alone, and if not contraindicated by risks and harms, the RDN may
consider recommending potassium supplementation of up to 3,700mg per
day to aid in BP control. Research indicates that potassium supplementation
up to approximately 3,700mg reduced SBP and DBP by 3mm Hg to 13mm Hg
and 0mm Hg to 8mm Hg, respectively, in adults with HTN. (Fair, Conditional)
