Improvement after a supplement is not the same as a comparative result
Start with the comparison. A before-and-after change alone cannot isolate the contribution of an ingredient.
Potassium
Selected research topic
Blood pressure and vascular health
Findings differ across measurements or study conditions. The results below keep them separate.
Findings from a combination study cannot be attributed to this ingredient alone.
Some findings concern patients or people with a deficiency.
- Publications for this topic
- 24
- Human comparison publications
- 3
- Publications needing review
- 9
Findings in the studies
DBP
- Results were mixed for this outcome.General population · Single ingredient · 7 days
Measurement and study conditions
- Study type
- Clinical trial
- Study population
- Human participants · General population
- Ingredients tested
- Single ingredient
- How results were compared
- Results were compared between groups. · Study comparison: potassium-supplementation response differentiated by sex and genotype; no untreated comparator speci
- Additional measurement information
- Secondary outcome
- Measurement time
- 7 days
Outcome needs clarification
About this measure
Original outcome name: FMD
- A better result than the comparison group was reported.General population · Single ingredient · day seven of each diet
Measurement and study conditions
- Study type
- Randomized controlled trial: subjects were randomly assigned to groups for comparison.
- Study population
- Human participants · General population
- Ingredients tested
- Single ingredient
- How results were compared
- Results were compared between groups. · Study comparison: FMD lower with moderate-K/high-Na than high-K/high-Na; no difference high-K/high-Na vs moderate-K/lo
- Additional measurement information
- Biomarker
- Measurement time
- day seven of each diet
MAP
- Results were mixed for this outcome.General population · Single ingredient · 7 days
Measurement and study conditions
- Study type
- Clinical trial
- Study population
- Human participants · General population
- Ingredients tested
- Single ingredient
- How results were compared
- Results were compared between groups. · Study comparison: potassium-supplementation response differentiated by sex and genotype; no untreated comparator speci
- Additional measurement information
- Secondary outcome
- Measurement time
- 7 days
Systolic blood pressure
Human comparison research
- A better result than the comparison group was reported.
What the comparison group used was not confirmed.
Patient group · Single ingredientMeasurement and study conditions
- Study type
- Randomized controlled trial: subjects were randomly assigned to groups for comparison.
- Study population
- Human participants · Patient group
- Ingredients tested
- Single ingredient
- How results were compared
- Results were compared between groups.
- Measurement time
- Not confirmed.
Other human research, including observational studies and reviews
- An association was observed. This does not establish that the ingredient caused the change.General population · Single ingredient
Measurement and study conditions
- Study type
- Observational study
- Study population
- Human participants · General population
- Ingredients tested
- Single ingredient
- How results were compared
- Comparison unclear · Study comparison: Observational dietary-potassium intake versus systolic/diastolic blood-pressure change; no associati
- Additional measurement information
- Primary outcome
- Measurement time
- baseline 2008–2011 to follow-up 2014–2017
- An association was observed. This does not establish that the ingredient caused the change.General population
Measurement and study conditions
- Study type
- Observational study
- Study population
- Human participants · General population
- Ingredients tested
- Unknown intervention
- How results were compared
- Comparison unclear · Study comparison: Higher maternal dietary potassium intake associated with higher offspring systolic blood pressure; v
- Additional measurement information
- Secondary outcome
- Measurement time
- Maternal third-trimester intake; offspring follow-up to age 5 years
Research with unclear study subject or type
- The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Several ingredients were tested together, so this ingredient’s individual effect is unknown.
What the comparison group used was not confirmed.
Combination studyMeasurement and study conditions
- Study type
- Randomized controlled trial: subjects were randomly assigned to groups for comparison.
- Study population
- Study subject not identified
- Ingredients tested
- Ingredient combination
- How results were compared
- Results were compared between groups.
- Measurement time
- Not confirmed.
Other measured outcomes (10)
systolic BP (SBP)
- Results were mixed for this outcome.General population · Single ingredient · 7 days
Measurement and study conditions
- Study type
- Clinical trial
- Study population
- Human participants · General population
- Ingredients tested
- Single ingredient
- How results were compared
- Results were compared between groups. · Study comparison: potassium-supplementation response differentiated by sex and genotype; no untreated comparator speci
- Additional measurement information
- Secondary outcome
- Measurement time
- 7 days
24 h SBP
Other human research, including observational studies and reviews
- A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.Patient group · Single ingredient
Measurement and study conditions
- Study type
- Randomized controlled trial: subjects were randomly assigned to groups for comparison.
- Study population
- Human participants · Patient group
- Ingredients tested
- Single ingredient
- Measurement time
- Not confirmed.
blood pressure
Other human research, including observational studies and reviews
- A change was reported before and after use. Its cause cannot be isolated.General population · Single ingredient
Measurement and study conditions
- Study type
- Clinical trial
- Study population
- Human participants · General population
- Ingredients tested
- Single ingredient
- How results were compared
- Changes within the same group were compared. · Study comparison: Repeated baseline, supplementation, and recovery measurements; no concurrent control group stated
- Additional measurement information
- Primary outcome
- Measurement time
- 4 weeks supplementation preceded by baseline measurements and followed by 4-week recovery
blood pressure control
Other human research, including observational studies and reviews
- An association was observed. This does not establish that the ingredient caused the change.Patient group · 3-year follow-up
Measurement and study conditions
- Study type
- Observational study
- Study population
- Human participants · Patient group
- Ingredients tested
- Unknown intervention
- How results were compared
- Comparison unclear · Study comparison: observational association per 50 mmol/24-hour higher potassium intake; not supplementation
- Additional measurement information
- Primary outcome
- Measurement time
- 3-year follow-up
BP
Other human research, including observational studies and reviews
- A change was reported before and after use. Its cause cannot be isolated.Patient group · Single ingredient · Four weeks per period
Measurement and study conditions
- Study type
- Randomized controlled trial: subjects were randomly assigned to groups for comparison.
- Study population
- Human participants · Patient group
- Ingredients tested
- Single ingredient
- How results were compared
- Changes within the same group were compared. · Study comparison: 64 mmol potassium chloride versus placebo in crossover periods; reported within-period BP decreases
- Additional measurement information
- Primary outcome
- Measurement time
- Four weeks per period
Research with unclear study subject or type
- A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Measurement and study conditions
- Study type
- Meta-analysis
- Study population
- Recorded population category: Patient group. Whether the research involved humans needs confirmation.
- Ingredients tested
- Unknown intervention
- How results were compared
- Study comparison: Dose-response association between higher urinary potassium excretion and BP; estimates stratified by
- Additional measurement information
- Biomarker
- Measurement time
- Not confirmed.
diastolic BP (DBP)
Other human research, including observational studies and reviews
- A change was reported before and after use. Its cause cannot be isolated.General population · Single ingredient · 7 days
Measurement and study conditions
- Study type
- Clinical trial
- Study population
- Human participants · General population
- Ingredients tested
- Single ingredient
- How results were compared
- Changes within the same group were compared. · Study comparison: potassium-supplementation response differentiated by sex and genotype; no untreated comparator speci
- Additional measurement information
- Secondary outcome
- Measurement time
- 7 days
systolic and diastolic blood pressures
Other human research, including observational studies and reviews
- A change was reported before and after use. Its cause cannot be isolated.Patient group · Single ingredient
Measurement and study conditions
- Study type
- Randomized controlled trial: subjects were randomly assigned to groups for comparison.
- Study population
- Human participants · Patient group
- Ingredients tested
- Single ingredient
- How results were compared
- Changes within the same group were compared. · Within-group comparison
- Additional measurement information
- Primary outcome
- Measurement time
- 32-week crossover; weekly BP assessments
systolic and diastolic BP
Other human research, including observational studies and reviews
- A change was reported before and after use. Its cause cannot be isolated.General population · up to 5 hours post-intake
Measurement and study conditions
- Study type
- Randomized controlled trial: subjects were randomly assigned to groups for comparison.
- Study population
- Human participants · General population
- Ingredients tested
- Unknown intervention
- How results were compared
- Changes within the same group were compared. · Study comparison: Within-participant pre/post response across nitrate interventions; potassium nitrate is a compound i
- Additional measurement information
- Primary outcome
- Measurement time
- up to 5 hours post-intake
BP levels
Research with unclear study subject or type
- A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.Single ingredient · trials ≥4 weeks
Measurement and study conditions
- Study type
- Meta-analysis
- Study population
- Recorded population category: Patient group. Whether the research involved humans needs confirmation.
- Ingredients tested
- Single ingredient
- How results were compared
- Study comparison: potassium supplementation versus active/control arms across doses
- Additional measurement information
- Primary outcome
- Measurement time
- trials ≥4 weeks
SBP
Research with unclear study subject or type
- The study reported improvement in this measurement.Single ingredient · minimum 4 weeks; final follow-up
Measurement and study conditions
- Study type
- Meta-analysis
- Study population
- Recorded population category: Patient group. Whether the research involved humans needs confirmation.
- Ingredients tested
- Single ingredient
- How results were compared
- Results were compared between groups. · Study comparison: potassium versus placebo
- Additional measurement information
- Primary outcome
- Measurement time
- minimum 4 weeks; final follow-up
This result is held for interpretation. That does not mean research found no effect.
Outcome groups needing additional review (1)
- heritabilities of blood pressure responses to dietary sodium and potassium intake · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Direction unclear: 1
One paper can appear under multiple measured outcomes or review reasons, so these counts should not be added together.
Representative outcome and study details
Human studies reported both between-group improvement and an association for Systolic blood pressure; while Studies with an unspecified organism reported between-group improvement in Systolic blood pressure.
These conditions come from related studies and may not describe a single paper.
single- and combination-ingredient studies · Scope not specified · Individual ingredient effects cannot be separated · Human studies · Includes patient groups · Population not specified · between-group comparison · comparator not confirmed
4 publications linked to this result
- Study conditions differ; results are shown descriptively and are not pooled.
- Combination, formula, or class studies do not isolate this ingredient or establish synergy.
Data coverage and detailed study classifications
Paper counts are separated by research topic below. One paper may contribute to multiple findings.
Analysis status: Public-ready
Ingredient analysis date:
How the grade was determined: B
The 64.3 evidence score includes 1 independent human studies and 1 clinical studies in the representative benefit area. The B tier remains conservative because of limited repetition across independent human clinical studies, too few clinical findings with an explicit effect direction.
The grade is based mainly on the research area with the most evidence. It does not mean the same result was found in other areas.
Papers linked to this ingredient overall: 78
Papers linked to this topic 24 · distinct papers 24 · papers with a confirmed human comparison 3 · papers needing additional review 9
A publication may appear in more than one count. These numbers should not be added. Ingredient-wide papers, topic-linked papers, and sources in outcome groups use different scopes. Adding source counts may count the same paper more than once.
- 24 h SBP: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- blood pressure: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- blood pressure control: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- BP: Sources represented in this measurement group: 2 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- BP levels: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- DBP: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 1
- diastolic BP (DBP): Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- FMD: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 1
- heritabilities of blood pressure responses to dietary sodium and potassium intake: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- MAP: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 1
- SBP: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- systolic and diastolic blood pressures: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- systolic and diastolic BP: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- Systolic blood pressure: Sources represented in this measurement group: 4 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 1
- systolic BP (SBP): Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 1
What the research found
systolic and diastolic BP
A change was reported before and after use. Its cause cannot be isolated.
Controlled study in people · Unknown intervention · General population
Within-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
BP
A change was reported before and after use. Its cause cannot be isolated.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Patient group
Within-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
FMD
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · General population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
systolic and diastolic blood pressures
A change was reported before and after use. Its cause cannot be isolated.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Patient group
Within-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Systolic blood pressure
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled human study · Ingredient combination · Unspecified population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Systolic blood pressure
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Patient group
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
blood pressure
A change was reported before and after use. Its cause cannot be isolated.
Other evidence · Single ingredient · General population
Within-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
blood pressure control
An association was observed. This does not establish that the ingredient caused the change.
Observational study · Unknown intervention · Patient group
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
DBP
Results for this measurement were mixed; no consistent conclusion can be drawn.
Other evidence · Single ingredient · General population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
diastolic BP (DBP)
A change was reported before and after use. Its cause cannot be isolated.
Other evidence · Single ingredient · General population
Within-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
MAP
Results for this measurement were mixed; no consistent conclusion can be drawn.
Other evidence · Single ingredient · General population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
SBP
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Meta-analysis · Single ingredient · Patient group
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Systolic blood pressure
An association was observed. This does not establish that the ingredient caused the change.
Observational study · Single ingredient · General population
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
systolic blood pressure
An association was observed. This does not establish that the ingredient caused the change.
Observational study · Unknown intervention · General population
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
systolic BP (SBP)
Results for this measurement were mixed; no consistent conclusion can be drawn.
Other evidence · Single ingredient · General population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
24 h SBP
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Patient group
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
BP
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Meta-analysis · Unknown intervention · Patient group
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
BP levels
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Meta-analysis · Single ingredient · Patient group
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
heritabilities of blood pressure responses to dietary sodium and potassium intake
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · Patient group
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · Patient group
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · Unspecified population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Meta-analysis · Ingredient combination · Unspecified population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Other evidence · Ingredient combination · Patient group
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Patient group
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Unspecified population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Other evidence · Unknown intervention · Unspecified population
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
How to read research findings
How should I read research findings?
Research guidesNo clear difference and an uninterpretable result are different
A reported null comparison contains a result. An abstract without an interpretable comparison leaves a question unresolved.
Paper counts and study counts are different
Count original research separately from research that reanalyzes it. Publication volume is neither replication nor a quality rating.
Side effects and combination findings
Findings from this ingredient alone are shown separately from those involving another supplement or medication.
No combination cautions are available to show in the current data. This does not guarantee safety.
Side effects and combination studies
No side-effect or combination findings are available to show from the collected papers. This does not establish safety.