Potassium May Curb Stroke Risk

Source: Tufts University
December 6, 2001 (Reviewed: December 4, 2003)

Scientists searching for ways to improve our ability to prevent strokes have been taking a closer look at potassium - an essential mineral that may reduce risk through blood pressure control. A study that adds to what we know of potassium and stroke risk was recently published in the journal Stroke.

For this analysis, diet and health information was gathered on more than 9,800 participants in the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1), conducted between 1971 and 1975. The number who suffered a stroke or coronary heart event was documented during 19 years of follow-up.

Potential link

A non-linear association was found between potassium intake and risk of stroke. After controlling for potential confounders, including age, gender, race, blood pressure, and serum cholesterol, the authors found that those who consumed less than 34.5 mmol potassium per day were 28% more likely than others in the study to suffer a stroke (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.11-1.47). No association was found between potassium intake and risk of coronary heart disease.

These latest results add to what other studies have already documented about the proposed link between potassium intake and stroke risk. There is a credible connection between the two, say the authors of this study, since a potassium-deficient diet has been associated with elevated blood pressure, a potent risk factor for stroke. But not all studies on the subject have come to the same conclusion, and some scientists are wary of linking the risk of a multifaceted disease like stroke to the intake of one specific nutrient.

More study needed

In fact, the scientist who wrote the accompanying editorial warns clinicians not to read too much into these recent findings. He points out that results of epidemiologic studies cannot prove causation, and warns of the limiting effect that potential confounders can have on study results. This is a particular problem in the case of potassium intake. People who consume a diet high in potassium are generally eating more fruits and vegetables; as such, their diets tend to be also high in fiber and vitamins A and C. They may also be more likely to exercise and less likely to smoke than other study participants. All of these factors would likely combine to provide the stroke protection attributed in this study to potassium intake.

Should your patients boost their potassium intake ?

More research is obviously needed in this area, and the current study is not a confirmation that the general public would benefit from supplemental potassium. However, a diet that includes at least 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables provides potassium well into the intake range shown to be protective in this study. This is one more good reason to encourage patients to expand their diets to include more produce.

Source

• Dietary potassium intake and risk of stroke in US men and women LA. Bazzano, J. He, LG. Ogden,  et al., Stroke, 2001, vol. 32, pp. 1473--1480

Related Links
High HDL Cholesterol Protective Against Stroke
Stroke Rehabilitation - Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy
To quickly access additional accurate information on this and other nutrition-related topics, visit Tufts University's Nutrition Navigator

Please take a moment to give us your comments. For questions about Health matters you may check our "Questions & Answers" Portal and Service.