Protective effect of optimal vegetable intake on blood pressure levels in children

Abstract

Objectives

Studies about the relationship between vegetable intake and blood pressure (BP) in children were relatively scarce. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of vegetable consumption on children's BP and to find an appropriate vegetable consumption amount.

Study design

Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Study.

Methods

The study included 10,391 children aged 6–12 years from a cohort established in 2014, with a mean age of 9.24(7.76,10.83) years, of which 1863 children (in grades 1 to 2 at baseline) followed up in 2019. A multiple linear and logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between vegetable intake and BP levels or elevated BP in children, as well as performed in subgroups.

Results

The samples was categorized into three groups(Q₁-Q₃) according to the amount of vegetable intake per unit body weight (Kg), with vegetable intake of <3.85, 3.85–7.80, ≥7.80 g/d × kg respectively. Vegetable intake in Q₃ group showed a relatively lower systolic BP(SBP), diastolic BP(DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP). By linear regression analysis, vegetable intake was negatively associated with SBP in children. And it is more obvious among males, children aged >9 years and those living in countryside. The logistic regression showed that the intake of vegetables may reduce a risk of elevated BP in children. Furthermore, a consumption of vegetable ≥7.80 g/d × kg had a significant protective effect on children's BP. The follow-up study results also showed that children with a consumption of vegetable ≥7.80 g/d × kg had the lowest SBP, compared to the highest blood pressure group (<3.85 g/d × kg) in 2019. Moreover, the recommended vegetable intake for children with normal weight is 100–250 g/d, while those who are overweight and obese are recommended to consume >250 g/d of vegetables.

Conclusion

Vegetable intake may protect BP levels in children, and vegetable intake in the range of ≥7.80 g/d × kg was a recommended dosage for children's BP protection.