RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07221448

Sodium vs Potassium Education to Improve Vascular Health

Improving Vascular Health Using Nutrition Education Aimed At Increasing Potassium Intake Versus Reducing Sodium Intake

Sponsor

Florida State University

Enrollment

32 participants

Start Date

Apr 20, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Healthy

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine if a self-selected high potassium diet is easier to achieve and more effective at improving vascular health than a low sodium diet in generally healthy young adults who typically consume more than the recommended amount of sodium. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Is it easier for young adults to increase their potassium intake, rather than reduce their sodium intake? 2. Is a self-selected high potassium diet better at improving vascular health compared to a self-selected low sodium diet? Researchers will compare the effectiveness of an education-based intervention centered only on increasing dietary potassium intake against an education-based intervention centered only on reducing dietary sodium intake. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive comprehensive dietary education on adopting either a high-potassium diet or a low-sodium diet. Education will be delivered in four weekly one-on-one sessions. Following the four-week education period, participants will be encouraged to change their diet based on what they have learned. Measures of dietary compliance (urine samples and diet records) and cardiovascular health (blood pressure, endothelial function) will be assessed at two, four, and six months post-education.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 45 Years

Inclusion Criteria3

Willing and able to attend in-person laboratory visits
Usual sodium intake ≥3,000 mg/d for females and ≥4,000 mg/d for males
Usual potassium intake ≤2,500 mg/d in females and ≤3,000 mg/d in males

Exclusion Criteria13

BMI ≥35 kg/m2
Seated blood pressure ≥130/80 mmHg
Current diagnosis or history of diabetes, renal disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, or major cardiovascular event (e.g. heart attack or stroke)
Current or recent use of a diuretic (within the past 6 months)
Elevated blood lipids (LDL cholesterol ≥190 mg/dL)
Elevated serum potassium level (>5.1 mmol/L)
Elevated BUN (>22 mg/dL)
Elevated creatinine (>1.2 mg/dL)
Low eGFR (<90 mL/min/1.73 m²)
Current or recent use of tobacco, nicotine, or illicit drugs
Radical hysterectomy or oophorectomy (females)*
Pregnant or lactating
Following a weight-loss diet, or intending to gain or lose weight during the study period

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALHigh potassium dietary education/counseling

Participants assigned to this intervention arm will receive four weekly individualized education sessions on how to increase their dietary potassium intake.

BEHAVIORALLow sodium dietary education/counseling

Participants assigned to this intervention arm will receive four weekly individualized education sessions on how to reduce their dietary sodium intake.