A17183 Micronutrient Intake Adequacy and Hypertension Risk among Rural-Dwelling Indigenous Adults in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Objectives: While low sodium and high potassium intakes are known to be protective against hypertension, growing evidence suggests that intakes of other micronutrients may also decrease the development and progression of hypertension. Rather than focusing on individual micronutrient, this study assessed the intakes of 10 micronutrients and examined their associations with hypertension. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 555 Indigenous adults living in Krau Wildlife Reserve, Malaysia. Blood pressure (BP) were measured and BP categories were defined. Dietary intakes were assessed using two non-consecutive 24-h recalls. The mean probability of adequacy (MPA) across 10 micronutrients (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin A, C, and D) was calculated based on estimated average nutrient requirement (EAR). Results: The proportions of adults with normal, elevated BP, stage 1 and 2 hypertension were 32.7%, 6.5%, 34.5% and 26.3%, respectively. MPA were significantly negatively correlated to systolic (r = − 0.265, p < 0.001) and diastolic BP (r = −0.247, p < 0.001). There were significant differences in mean MPA across the BP categories, F (3,387) = 8.448, p < 0.001. Adults with higher MPA had a lower odds of having hypertension (p < 0.001) and the association remained significant after adjusting for age, dietary intakes of sodium and potassium. Conclusion: Hypertension was prevalent in indigenous peoples and many adults were with poor diet quality, indicated by a lower MPA. Translating this concept of micronutrient adequacy into simple and actionable messages to this indigenous population is possible through promotion of a diverse diet that is aligned with dietary guidelines.