Effect of low-sodium, potassium-rich salt based on the Chinese modified DASH diet on home blood pressure monitoring in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes: a clinical trial

Introduction: Objective: to investigate the impact and safety of Chinese Modified Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (CM-DASH) combined with sodium-restricted formula salts on home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Material and methods: employing a semi-open randomized, controlled, single-blind trial, patients were allocated into four groups-Group A (control), Group B (52 % salt), Group C (23 % salt), and Group D (meal packs)-for an eight-week dietary intervention. Throughout the intervention, patients self-measured their blood pressure daily and were followed up weekly. Additionally, 24-hour urine was performed at baseline, week 4, and the end of the intervention. Results: of the 132 initial participants, only two were lost to follow-up. Following an 8-week intervention, blood pressure exhibited a downward trend across all four subject groups (p < 0.05). Both HSBP and HDBP exhibited a more pronounced decrease in group B compared to group A. HSBP decreased the most in group D (-13.06, 95 % CI: -18.84 to 7.64, p < 0.001). The 24-hour urinary Na/K ratios significantly dropped in low-sodium salt participants (p < 0.001). Nevertheless, the differences between the groups were not statistically significant. No serious adverse events were reported throughout the trial. Conclusions: this study's preliminary findings indicate that the CM-DASH dietary pattern combined with 23 % and 52 % sodium-limited formula salts has a beneficial effect on home blood pressure in hypertensive and type 2 diabetes patients. Additionally, it improves patients' urinary sodium and potassium levels and demonstrates safety. However, more studies are needed for validation.