A pilot investigaton into the effect of a shot-term restriction in sodium intake on blood pressure, sodium chloride taste threshold and the problems associated with such a dietary restriction

Summary

A group of 5 non-smoking males aged 20–30 years reduced their sodium intake over a period of two weeks. The subjects’ salt taste thresholds, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured over the trial period and compared with a control group of 5 similar males who also had the same variables measured over a two week period. Diastolic pressure fell significantly in one of the control group over the two week period while three of the experimental group had significant decreases and a fourth had a decrease which almost reached significance. There was a significant decrease in systolic pressure in one of the control group subjects. Taste thresholds showed some fluctuations over the trial period in both groups and no clear trend could be found. Problems with the low sodium diet were encountered in regards to food selection.