In April 2019 researchers from Japan published the results of their study to assess the relationship between the incidence of hypertension and the intake of three major nutrients, protein, fats and carbohydrates. A total of 89,951 individuals were involved in the study, of whom 13,926 (15.5%) had been diagnosed with hypertension. Dietary information was collected via a food frequency questionnaire. Results showed that the hypertensive individuals had a significantly higher intake of calories from protein but a lower intake of calories from fat than those with no history of hypertension. The intake of calories from carbohydrates was almost the same between the two groups. After adjusting for confounders, a higher intake of calories from protein was associated with a higher incidence of hypertension. The researchers therefore concluded that a protein-restricted diet may have a favourable effect in preventing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
Kuwabara M et al. High rate of calories from protein is associated with higher prevalence of hypertension. J Hum Hypertens. 2019 Apr;33(4):340-344.