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People who ate a larger variety of dietary proteins tended to be better at fending off high blood pressure (BP), according to a large observational study from China.

The association between consumption of a given protein source and new-onset hypertension within 6 years suggested different dietary patterns to minimize hypertension risk:

• Eat a modest amount, as too much can increase risk of high BP (U-shaped curve): total protein, unprocessed or processed red meat-derived protein, whole grain-derived protein, poultry-derived protein
• Eat a little more, but not too much (reverse J-shaped): fish-derived protein
• Eat enough to reach a threshold, any more doesn't hurt (L-shaped): eggs-derived, legumes-derived protein
• Eat a limited amount, any more is risky (reverse L-shaped): refined grain-derived protein

What's more, the risk of new-onset hypertension was significantly lower in people who self-reported eating a greater variety of protein sources, reported Xianhui Qin, MD, of Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, and colleagues, in .

They noted that it is possible that consuming a greater variety of proteins in "proper" quantities ensures the intake of different essential amino acids, and helps with better nutritional status and microbiota richness. Nevertheless, more studies will be needed to establish the mechanisms underlying the inverse relationship between dietary protein variety and hypertension, they said.

The American Heart Association recommends eating for a total of of protein daily.

The study counted 12,177 individuals (46.8% men, mean age 41.2) representing the Chinese general population. All had completed three consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls plus a household food inventory during their participation in the China Health and Nutrition Survey from 1997 to 2015.

Over a median 6.1 years of follow-up, this cohort had a 35.1% incidence of new-onset hypertension (defined as BP exceeding 140/90 mm Hg or receipt of antihypertensive treatment or a diagnosis of hypertension from a physician).

Qin's group acknowledged that the observational study was subject to potential residual confounding and the recall bias inherent in self-reported food diaries. Whether the results may be generalized to other populations is also unknown, according to the investigators.

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