Citation
(2004), "New scientific research shows low levels of potassium in the diet can significantly lower blood pressure", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 34 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2004.01734aab.002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2004, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
New scientific research shows low levels of potassium in the diet can significantly lower blood pressure
New scientific research shows low levels of potassium in the diet can significantly lower blood pressure
BTG (LSE: BGC), the global technology commercialisation company recently announced the release of data by King's College London supporting the development of a new approach to decrease hypertension (high blood pressure). BTG has entered into an agreement with King's College London to commercialise the technology through licensing to major companies. This technology could lead the way for state-of-the-art beverage and food products designed to reduce blood pressure.
New findings, demonstrated in a study published in The British Journal of Nutrition, showed that a sustained low dose of potassium can lower blood pressure, thus decreasing the risk of strokes and cardiovascular disease. These results are timely considering recent studies confirming that hypertension remains a serious problem in many countries. Then prevalence of hypertension in the UK had reached 17.1 million in 2001, about 28.9 percent of the population; hypertension is estimated to affect 18.7 million people in the UK by 2015 according to analyst house Datamonitor.
Previous research has shown that foods with 10 percent or more of the recommended daily allowance of potassium and a low level of sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and strokes. However, studies have not been able to assess the optimal dose due to the assumption that higher doses would have a correspondingly increased effectiveness. This research from King's College reveals that a low dose (24mmol/day) is needed to significantly decrease hypertension.
For information contact: Colleen Henry, BRG. Tel: +1 610 943 3540; E-mail: Colleen.henry@btg.com; Web site: www.btgplc.com