The Impact of Sodium and Fructose on Blood Pressure and Inflammation

The goal of this study is to determine the impact of dietary sodium and fructose on blood pressure and inflammation in young healthy adults.

Excess dietary salt is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Some healthy adults have been determined to be more sensitive to dietary salt than others, which can result in a 10% or more increase of blood pressure. The mechanisms underlying salt sensitivity of blood pressure are not fully understood. Previous research has suggested excess intake of added sugars, especially fructose, can increase salt sensitivity of blood pressure. Chronic elevated consumption of salt and fructose independently have been shown to have damaging effects on the body, however, the combination of both salt and fructose has not been fully studied in humans. The purpose of this research study is to determine if increased dietary fructose consumption will stimulate salt-sensitive hypertension and induce proinflammatory cytokines through activation of the immune system. Understanding how the body regulates blood pressure during times of elevated salt and fructose is important for determining cardiovascular risk in a population with normal blood pressure.

7 day consumption of low fructose drink (20g) and recommended sodium (2300mg) from whole food while consuming placebo from pills

7 day consumption of low fructose drink (20g) and recommended sodium (2300 mg) from whole food while consuming high sodium from pills (3400 mg)

7 day consumption of high fructose drink (200g) and recommended sodium (2300 mg)from whole food while consuming high sodium pills from pills (3400 mg)

Upon completion of a 7 day dietary intervention of consuming the daily recommended sodium and low fructose contents we will investigate changes in ambulatory blood pressure, urinary sodium excretion, heart rate variability, secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and reactive oxygen species.

Upon completion of a 7 day dietary intervention of consuming the daily high sodium and low fructose contents we will investigate changes in ambulatory blood pressure, urinary sodium excretion, heart rate variability, secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and reactive oxygen species.

Upon completion of a 7 day dietary intervention of consuming the high sodium and high fructose contents we will investigate changes in ambulatory blood pressure, urinary sodium excretion, heart rate variability, secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and reactive oxygen species.

Inclusion Criteria: normal blood pressure males, females, minorities Exclusion Criteria: high blood pressure body mass index (BMI) of > 30 kg/m2 smokers or nicotine users pregnancy