AJCN Report Urges 3,500-5,000 mg Potassium With Less Sodium for Hypertension
Updated
Updated · Medical News Today · Aug 15
AJCN Report Urges 3,500-5,000 mg Potassium With Less Sodium for Hypertension
3 articles · Updated · Medical News Today · Aug 15
Summary
A new American Journal of Clinical Nutrition report says blood-pressure guidance should pair higher potassium intake with lower sodium, rather than focusing on sodium reduction alone.
Recent evidence shows the sodium-to-potassium ratio predicts cardiovascular outcomes better than sodium by itself; a 2025 meta-analysis found roughly 2,000 mg more potassium daily cut systolic pressure by about 5 mmHg and diastolic by 3 mmHg in people with hypertension.
The report aligns with American Heart Association targets of 3,500-5,000 mg of potassium a day and no more than 2,300 mg of sodium—ideally 1,500 mg for most adults with high blood pressure.
Experts said sodium cuts can lower pressure within days, while potassium’s vessel-relaxing effect often builds over 1-2 weeks; they pointed readers to DASH-style whole foods such as potatoes, salmon, spinach, beans and cantaloupe.
More than 98% of U.S. adults miss potassium recommendations, but people with kidney disease, heart failure, hyperkalemia or those taking ACE inhibitors should raise potassium only with medical supervision.