Effect of Potassium Supplementation on Endothelial Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intervention Studies

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#humans #potassium-dietary #potassium #dietary-supplements #diet

Effect of Potassium Supplementation on Endothelial Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intervention Studies

D'Elia et al., 2023 | Nutrients | Meta Analysis

Citation

D'Elia Lanfranco, Cappuccio Francesco P, ... Galletti Ferruccio. Effect of Potassium Supplementation on Endothelial Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intervention Studies. Nutrients. 2023-Feb-08;15(4). doi:10.3390/nu15040853

Abstract

(1) Background: Endothelial dysfunction is an early predictor of cardiovascular diseases. Although a large body of evidence shows an inverse association between potassium intake and cardiovascular risk, the studies on endothelial function provided contrasting results. Thus, we carried out a systematic review and a meta-analysis of the available intervention studies of the potassium supplementation on endothelial function. (2) Methods: A systematic search of the online databases available (up to December 2022) was conducted including the intervention trials that reported flow-mediated dilation (FMD) changes-a non-invasive method of assessing endothelial function-after two different potassium intake regimens. For each study, the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals were pooled using a random effect model. (3) Results: Five studies met the pre-defined inclusion criteria and provided eight cohorts with 332 participants. In the pooled analysis, potassium supplementation was associated with a significant increase in FMD (MD: 0.74%), with a higher effect for a urinary potassium excretion higher than 90 mmol/day. There was a moderate heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 59%), explained by the different amount of potassium supplementation. (4) Conclusions: The results of our meta-analysis indicate that dietary potassium supplement improves endothelial function. This effect is directly associated with the amount of potassium supplement. The findings support the campaigns in favour of an increase in dietary potassium intake to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Key Findings

Five studies met the pre-defined inclusion criteria and provided eight cohorts with 332 participants. In the pooled analysis, potassium supplementation was associated with a significant increase in FMD (MD: 0.74%), with a higher effect for a urinary potassium excretion higher than 90 mmol/day. There was a moderate heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 59%), explained by the different amount of potassium supplementation. (4) Conclusions: The results of our meta-analysis indicate that dietary potassiu

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 332
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Potassium, Dietary
  • Potassium
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Diet
  • Cardiovascular Diseases

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: potassium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09