Study design and controlled diets
Hypertension
HYPERTENSION
Two well-controlled diets were provided to participants: one similar to the average American diet (AAD) and a diet similar to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, but with slightly lower levels of total fat (25% of energy intake) and saturated fat (6% of energy intake) (Nutrient content and food group targets for experimental dietsAAD, average American diet; DASH, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.Target levels for a 2,100 kcal diet.A diet similar to that consumed by Americans, average American diet (AAD), but with slightly higher total fat and saturated fat, and slightly lower fiber, magnesium, potassium, and calcium.A diet similar to the DASH Combination Diet (Step 2 DASH) but with slightly lower levels of total fat and saturated fat. The modifications to the fat and fatty acid levels of the diets were designed to maximize the ability to detect gene-diet interactions for LDL-C while still endeavoring to keep the diets relevant. Collectively, the contrasts in the fats, protein, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and calcium have been documented to produce changes in blood pressure in African Americans with high normal blood pressure, even in the absence of changes in sodium levels (