Sodium, Potassium & Blood Pressure: Evidence Map and Systematic Review
At IAFNS, we advance food safety through rigorous research, collaboration, and science-based guidance.
Sodium, Potassium, and Cardiovascular Health
It is proposed that modest reductions in sodium intake coupled with increases in potassium from a variety of sources including potassium chloride and/or other supplemental potassium salts may achieve the public health goals of reduced hypertension and cardiovascular risk even if the 2,300 mg dietary intake of sodium goal is not met.
Purpose of the Project
This project seeks to identify new research that addresses questions posed by the 2019 DRI committee report on the relationship between potassium intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Specifically, to determine through knowledge mapping whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a systematic review to characterize the relationship between potassium (in foods, and different forms of potassium from supplements, and potassium rich sodium substitutes) and CVD risk, alone and in combination with sodium reduction.
Next Steps
If the knowledge map indicates sufficient evidence for a full systematic review, that systematic review is expected to bring credible weight to future deliberations about dietary guidance among authoritative bodies such as the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) on dietary reference intakes and to inform the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.
Research Background
This project builds on a strong body of research of the SoFHI committee regarding the safety of increasing potassium intake in the population as a tool for sodium reduction and research on sodium: potassium ratio.
Project Status
A Request for Proposals was issued in March 2025 for the Phase I Evidence Map. Applications were reviewed and the grant award was issued to NYU.
Poster Session
"Effect of Supplemental Potassium on CVD-related Indicators and CVD Morbidity and Mortality: Evidence and Gap Map," was given at AHA Boston Conference on March 17, 2026.
Jeanette Beaseley, PhD, RD, MPH
New York University
Jess Cheng, PhD, CPH
Harvard University/Mass General Hospital
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