This study investigated the relationship between animal and plant protein intake and blood pressure (BP), considering metabolomic profiles. 1008 adults (20-30 years) from the African-PREDICT study participated. Participants with low plant, high animal protein intake had higher systolic BP (SBP) (3 mmHg higher, p=0.011) than those with high plant, low animal protein intake. This relationship was partially mediated by BMI and saturated fat intake. After adjusting for confounders, protein intake was not directly related to SBP. In the low-risk group (high plant, low animal protein), methionine, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, and beta-alanine were inversely related to BP. A diet high in animal and low in plant protein may contribute to higher BP via increased BMI and saturated fat intake, while higher urinary amino acids in plant-rich diets may contribute to lower BP.

Michel Strauss-Kruger, Marlien Pieters, Tertia van Zyl, Ruan Kruger, Adriaan Jacobs, Esmé Jansen van Vuren, Roan Louw, Carina Mels