MICRONUTRIENT INTAKE AND HYPERTENSION AMONG ADOLESCENTS, NHANES 2007-2018

Abstract

Objective: To examine the relationship between nutrient intake and hypertension (HTN) diagnosis in adolescents. Design and method: This cross-sectional study analyzed representative nutrient and sociodemographic factors from six 2-year cycles (2007 to 2008 through 2017 to 2018) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The sample included adolescent survey participants,13 to 18 years of age. Nutrient intake estimates were derived from total dietary recall and daily supplement recall data. Systolic and diastolic HTN were defined based upon the average of 2-3 measured blood pressures. An average systolic blood pressure at or above 130mmHg was used to identify adolescents with systolic HTN, while an average diastolic blood pressure at or above 80mmHg was used to identify youth with diastolic HTN. Using descriptive statistics, inclusive of chi-square analysis for categorical data and Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous data, we assessed the relationship between a variety of sociodemographic variables, nutrient variables and systolic HTN (or diastolic HTN). Logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with a greater odd of HTN. Goodness of Fit of the logistic regression model was assessed. Results: Among 5866 US adolescents, the sodium to potassium ratio was higher and the folate level lower among youth with systolic HTN. Other factors associated with systolic HTN included older age, male sex, and obesity. According to the logistic regression model, factors associated with a greater odd of systolic HTN included age, sex (male), and obesity. Higher folate levels were associated with a lower odd of systolic HTN. Among youth with diastolic HTN, only age and obesity were associated. Conclusions: Hypertension (HTN) is the most common preventable cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the US and globally. It is prevalent in 2-4% of youth.1, 2 Nutrient intake and HTN in adolescents has major public health implications. Like previously published findings in adults, 3 we found that folate > 5000mcg is associated with lower blood pressure. In this study, sodium intake, potassium intake, magnesium and lycopene levels were not associated with HTN in adolescents.