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EFFECT OF POTASSIUM SUPPLEMENTATION ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: Hypertension is increasingly prevalent among children and adolescents and serves as a major risk factor for future cardiovascular disease. Potassium, a micronutrient known to regulate blood pressure, has demonstrated benefits in adults; however, evidence in younger populations remains limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the effect of potassium supplementation on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in children and adolescents. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating potassium supplementation in children and adolescents (<19 years) with reported changes in SBP and DBP were included. Literature searches were performed across PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to April 2024. Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were conducted independently by two reviewers. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model, heterogeneity was assessed via the I² statistic, and publication bias was evaluated using Egger’s test. Results: Six RCTs comprising 810 participants were included. Potassium supplementation significantly reduced SBP by a mean of –4.59 mmHg (95% CI: –5.04 to –4.14) and DBP by –4.10 mmHg (95% CI: –4.57 to –3.65). Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I² = 96% for SBP, I² = 86% for DBP). Subgroup analysis revealed greater effects in studies with intervention durations longer than one year. No significant differences were found by sex. Dose–response analysis did not demonstrate a clear linear relationship between potassium dose and blood pressure changes. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings; however, potential publication bias was detected for DBP. Conclusions: Potassium supplementation effectively reduces blood pressure in children and adolescents, particularly with long-term use. These findings support the potential of potassium as a simple and safe dietary intervention for early blood pressure management. Further large-scale, long-term trials are needed to determine optimal dosing and long-term cardiovascular outcomes.
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Keywords
hypertension, children, adolescent, potassium supplementation, meta-analysis, randomized controlled trial
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