Exploring how dietary potassium affects blood vessels in people with high sodium intake

Mechanisms Underlying the Protective Vascular Effects of Dietary Potassium in Humans

Not applicable Interventional University of Delaware · NCT04101188

This study is testing if eating more potassium can help protect blood vessels in people who eat a lot of salt.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Delaware Academic / other
Locations1 site (Newark, Delaware)
Trial IDNCT04101188 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This investigation focuses on understanding the effects of dietary potassium on vascular health in individuals consuming a high sodium diet. It aims to evaluate how potassium may mitigate sodium-induced vascular dysfunction, particularly in salt-resistant adults. The study will assess various dietary interventions, including moderate and high potassium diets alongside differing sodium levels, to determine their impact on endothelial function and oxidative stress. By examining these relationships, the research seeks to clarify the role of potassium in promoting vascular health amidst prevalent high sodium consumption.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults with normal blood pressure and no history of cardiovascular or metabolic diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, or those on special diets may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into dietary strategies that improve vascular health and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of potassium in blood pressure management is well-established, the specific focus on its vascular effects in the context of high sodium intake is less explored, making this a novel investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* healthy
* normal blood pressure
* normal resting ECG

Exclusion Criteria:

* hypertension
* history of heart disease
* diabetes
* kidney disease
* obese (BMI ≥30)
* significant weight changes in the last 6 months
* use of tobacco products
* pregnant
* on a special diet (gluten free; vegan)
* take any medications for the above conditions
* endurance trained athletes

Where this trial is running

Newark, Delaware

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cardiovascular Risk FactorDietary PotassiumDietary SodiumVascular Health
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.