LAUSR

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of potassium supplementation on blood pressure in patients with primary hypertension. Methods: We searched Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Liberary, CBMdisc and CJFD, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomized control trials (q-RCT) addressing the effect of potassium supplementation on primary hypertension were included. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata software (version 12) Review Manager (version 5.3). Results: 14 RCTs and 10 q-RCTs, with a total of 1,646 participants (potassium supplementation group, n = 827; control group, n = 819) were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to control group, potassium supplementation resulted in significant reductions in both SBP (SBP: WMD = −4.46 mmHg, 95% CI: −5.47, −3.46, p < 0.0001) and DBP (WMD = −3.64 mmHg, 95% CI: −4.28, −3.00, p < 0.0001). According to the change-score analysis, the mean changes in SBP (WMD = −8.25 mmHg, 95% CI: −11.81, −4.69, p < 0.00001) and DBP (WMD = −6.11 mmHg, 95% CI: −10.02, −2.21, p < 0.00001) was significantly higher in the potassium supplementation group than the control group. The adverse effect of potassium supplementation was moderate, the most common was change in bowel habits, abdominal pain and gastrointestinal discomfort. Subgroup analyses indicated that potassium supplementation had a statistically significant effect on blood pressure in America, Europe and Asia. The effect remained significant regardless of the study design, sample size and quality variations. Subgroup analyses also revealed an evidence of dose-response relationship between potassium intake and BP reduction. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that potassium supplementation had a statistically significant effect on both SBP and DBP. Potassium supplementation may be used as an adjuvant antihypertensive agent.