Dietary sodium and potassium patterns in adults with food insecurity in the context of hypertension risk

Background Food insecurity is associated with an increased risk of hypertension. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of dietary sodium and potassium intake in the setting of food insecurity on hypertension risk. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from 17,015 adults aged 18–65 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011–2018). We examined the associations between food insecurity, hypertension, and dietary sodium and potassium levels using multivariable logistic regression. Mediation analysis was conducted to explore the potential influence of dietary sodium and potassium intake on the relationship between food insecurity influenced hypertension. Results Individuals experiencing food insecurity had a significantly lower mean potassium intake (2.5 ± 0.03 g) compared to food-secure counterparts (2.74 ± 0.02 g). Food insecurity status was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of a higher dietary sodium-to-potassium ratio, an established predictor for hypertension. Conclusion Adults with food insecurity and hypertension were more likely to have lower dietary potassium intake. Increasing access to healthy foods, particularly potassium-rich foods, for individuals facing food insecurity may contribute to reducing the hypertension prevalence and improving cardiovascular outcomes.