Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have reported that a vegetarian diet may lower blood pressure (BP), but the effect of diet on BP in asymptomatic participants with proteinuria is unknown. We examined the association of diet and BP in individuals with or without proteinuria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from participants who were more than 40 years old and received physical checkups at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital from September 5, 2005, to December 31, 2016. Diets were assessed at baseline by a self-reported questionnaire and categorized as vegan, lacto-ovo vegetarian, or omnivore. There were 2818 (7.7%) vegans, 5616 (15.3%) lacto-ovo vegetarians, and 28,183 (77.0%) omnivores. The effect of different parameters on BP was determined using a multivariate multiple linear regression model with no intercept, with control for important characteristics and lifestyle confounders. RESULTS: The vegan group had a lower mean systolic BP (-3.87 mmHg, P < 0.001) and diastolic BP (-2.48 mmHg, P < 0.001) than the omnivore group. Participants with proteinuria had a higher systolic BP (4.26 mmHg, P < 0.001) and diastolic BP (2.15 mmHg, P < 0.001) than those without proteinuria. Interaction analysis indicated that vegan participants with proteinuria had a lower systolic BP (-2.73 mmHg, P = 0.046) and diastolic BP (-2.54 mmHg, P = 0.013) than other participants with proteinuria. However, individuals in the lacto-ovo group with proteinuria had a BP similar to other participants with proteinuria. CONCLUSIONS: A vegan diet was associated with lower BP in asymptomatic participants with proteinuria. This diet could be a nonpharmacologic method to reduce BP.
Generated Summary
This cross-sectional study examined the association of diet and blood pressure (BP) in individuals with or without proteinuria. The study analyzed data from participants over 40 years old who received physical checkups at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital between September 5, 2005, and December 31, 2016. Diets were categorized as vegan, lacto-ovo vegetarian, or omnivore based on self-reported questionnaires. The impact of different parameters on BP was determined using a multivariate multiple linear regression model, controlling for various characteristics and lifestyle factors. The study focused on comparing the effects of these diets on BP levels and explored the interaction of diet with proteinuria, a condition characterized by excess protein in the urine. This research aimed to determine if a vegetarian diet could be linked to lower BP in individuals and if such a diet could be a nonpharmacologic method to reduce BP.
Key Findings & Statistics
- The study included 2818 (7.7%) vegans, 5616 (15.3%) lacto-ovo vegetarians, and 28,183 (77.0%) omnivores.
- The vegan group showed a lower mean systolic BP of -3.87 mmHg (P < 0.001) compared to the omnivore group.
- The vegan group showed a lower mean diastolic BP of -2.48 mmHg (P < 0.001) compared to the omnivore group.
- Participants with proteinuria had a higher systolic BP of 4.26 mmHg (P < 0.001) compared to those without proteinuria.
- Participants with proteinuria had a higher diastolic BP of 2.15 mmHg (P < 0.001) compared to those without proteinuria.
- Vegan participants with proteinuria had a lower systolic BP of -2.73 mmHg (P = 0.046) compared to other participants with proteinuria.
- Vegan participants with proteinuria had a lower diastolic BP of -2.54 mmHg (P = 0.013) compared to other participants with proteinuria.
Other Important Findings
- The study found that a vegan diet was associated with lower BP in asymptomatic participants with proteinuria.
- Individuals in the lacto-ovo group with proteinuria had a BP similar to other participants with proteinuria.
Limitations Noted in the Document
The study’s limitations were not explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Therefore, a detailed discussion on limitations cannot be provided. However, the study design as a cross-sectional analysis suggests that causal relationships cannot be definitively established. The reliance on self-reported questionnaires for dietary assessment introduces potential biases and inaccuracies in dietary data. The study’s focus on a specific hospital population may limit the generalizability of its findings to broader populations. The absence of information on other potential confounding factors could affect the accuracy of the results.
Conclusion
The study concludes that a vegan diet is associated with lower BP in asymptomatic participants with proteinuria. The findings suggest that adopting a vegan diet could serve as a nonpharmacologic approach to reduce BP in this population. This conclusion highlights the potential therapeutic benefits of dietary modifications in managing blood pressure. It emphasizes that dietary interventions, particularly the adoption of a vegan diet, may offer a practical way to improve cardiovascular health. The significant differences in BP observed between vegan and omnivore groups, and within the context of proteinuria, underscore the importance of considering dietary choices in healthcare strategies. This could contribute to a better understanding of how diet influences cardiovascular outcomes, and support the wider adoption of plant-based eating to prevent and manage hypertension.