Potassium-rich diet bound to lower risk of stroke: An update meta-analysis
Lanfranco D’Elia Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases Available online 18 March 2014
Recently a few prospective population studies provided additional and heterogeneous information concerning the reported statistical associations between potassium (K) intake and stroke risk. Therefore, we updated our previous meta-analysis of K intake and risk of cerebrovascular events.
Three studies were added to the previous analysis, and the results of the comparison between the event rate in the two extreme categories of K intake were used. Pooled analysis of 14 cohorts (overall 333,250 participants and 10,659 events) showed an inverse and significant association between K intake and risk of stroke (Relative Risk: 0.80; 95% CI:0.72 to 0.90).
Our results indicated a favorable effect of higher K intake on risk of stroke. These results confirm the appropriateness of worldwide recommendations for a population increased consumption of potassium-rich foods to prevent cardiovascular disease.