The Impact of Sodium and Fructose on Blood Pressure and Inflammation

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.