Before you jump up & change your regimen with the latest whim published as scientific research, ask if the data is applicable and generalizable to you. In other words, studies demonstrating that mammogams save lives probably don't apply to men. Likewise, studies looking at PSA screening probably don't apply to most women. This is pretty obvious, right?
But what about a new study published yesterday in JAMA in which the authors conclude that dietary salt restriction isn't necessary. Does it mean that we can all go out & celebrate w/potato chips & lots of processed foods? Probably not!
The authors followed for 8 years 3,681 participants w/o heart disease who had all been originally enrolled in 2 European studies. Among the 2,096 w/o baseline HTN who were followed for 6.5 years, blood pressure was not associated with sodium excretion (and therefore dietary intake). In fact, HTN developed in the same number of patients regardless of sodium excretion, which did not change over time, while blood pressure increased steadily.
So back to my original question: is this study generalizable to you & me? For instance, are you a Caucasian of European descent as were the participants in this study? Not me! Plus I'm already a decade past the average age of the participants.
Let's not forget that multiple studies have demonstrated outcome benefits from dietary sodium restriction in both men & women of all ages & ethnicities. This study is the first to come to a completely different conclusion. So while I may sneak an occasional potato chip, you won't find me eating processed foods or reaching for the salt shaker anytime soon.
Let's not forget that multiple studies have demonstrated outcome benefits from dietary sodium restriction in both men & women of all ages & ethnicities. This study is the first to come to a completely different conclusion. So while I may sneak an occasional potato chip, you won't find me eating processed foods or reaching for the salt shaker anytime soon.
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