High-Potassium Diet May Protect Against Stroke

HSPH researchers released a study this week that indicates that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grain cereals may reduce a person's risk of stroke, especially in individuals with high blood pressure. The report is printed in the September 22 Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Alberto Ascherio, associate professor in the Departments of Nutrition and Epidemiology and lead author of the study, says: "The beneficial effect appears to be due to the high potassium content of these diets, but other components of fruits and vegetables may also contribute to the reduced risk of stroke."

The research used data generated by the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, a longitudinal dietary investigation of nearly 44,000 men. The researchers found that people in the top fifth of dietary potassium intake had a 38 percent lower risk of stroke than those in the bottom fifth. The major difference between the diets of the two groups was in their consumption of fruits and vegetables. Sources of potassium include tomatoes, spinach, bananas, oranges, and other fruits and vegetables.

"While the data do not prove a causal relationship," said Ascherio, "there is strong support for a stroke-preventive effect from diets rich in potassium, magnesium, and cereal fiber."



Alberto Ascherio, associate professor, Departments of Nutrition and Epidemiology, is the lead author of a new study that indicates a protective relationship between dietary potassium intake and risk of stroke in men.

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