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Citation:
 
Study Design:
Class:
- Click here for explanation of classification scheme.
Quality Rating:
Research Purpose:

A test of the effect of soybean protein supplementation on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) among individuals with pre-hypertension (PHTN) or stage 1 hypertension in three samples of community residents in the People's Republic of China.

Inclusion Criteria:

Men and women 35 to 65 years of age, who had an average SBP of 130 to 159mmHgDBP of 80 to 99mmHg or both based on an average of nine readings (three readings on each of three visits).

Exclusion Criteria:
  1. Self-reported use of anti-hypertensive medications in the previous two months
  2. A history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer, chronic obsructive pulmonary disease, psychiatric disease or any other serious, life-threatening illness that required medical treatment
  3. Serum creatinine level of 150.3umol per L or greater (at least 1.7mg per dL) at screening examination; or alcohol intake of 21 drinks or more per week or at least 40g per day
  4. Pregnant women or women who intended to become pregnant during the study.
Description of Study Protocol:

Recruitment
 

At community-based blood pressure pre-screening.

Design

  • Random allocation of 150 study participants to receive soybean protein supplementation and 152 controls
  • The study group received 40g of isolated soy protein supplement per day in cookies for 12 weeks
  • Controls received similar cookies with 40g of carbohydrate
  • Cookies were substituted for one meal daily for 12 weeks
  • Blood pressure readings were taken at six and 12 weeks.      

Blinding Used

  • Double-blind
  • Participants were randomized using a computer-generated series number, which was sealed in an envelope
  • Randomization was known only to the study coordinator; all other investigators and data collectors were blinded to the group assignment.

Intervention

  • The study group received 40g of isolated soy protein supplement per day in cookies for 12 weeks
  • Controls received similar cookies with 40g complex carbohydrate
  • Cookies were substituted for one meal daily for 12 weeks.

Statistical Analysis

  • Trial was designed to provide more than 80% statistical power to detect a three-mmHg reduction in SBP and a two-mmHg reduction in DBP
  • Differences between baseline and follow-up measurements examined using Student's T-tests
  • Linear regression models were used to estimate the net difference in BP and SE adjustment for the clinical centers.
Data Collection Summary:

Timing of Measurements
 

Baseline, six and 12 weeks.

Dependent Variables

  • Urinary sodium and potassium in mmol per day from urine collection
  • Body weight in kg measured on a scale
  • Systolic blood pressure measured three times by a trained technician
  • Diastolic blood pressure measured three times by a trained technician.

Independent Variables

  • Soy protein intake (40g per day)
  • Energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat, saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat assessed by dietary recall.
Description of Actual Data Sample:
  • Initial N: 
    • 302 subjects
    • 150 in the experimental group (51.3% women)
    • 152 in the control group (55.3% women)
  • Attrition (final N):
    • 139 in the experimental group
    • 137 in control group
  • Age:
    • Experimental group mean: 50.8±9.3
    • Control group mean: 51.4±9.2 
  • Ethnicity: Chinese
  • Anthropometrics:
    • BMI and waist circumference were similar at baseline between groups
    • Percentage with BMI of at least 25kg/m2 was 76 in the intervention group and 69.7 in the control group
  • Location: Three centers in Beijing and Wuhan, China.
Summary of Results:

Variables

Soybean Protein Group

 

Complex Carbohydrate Control Group
Measures and Confidence Intervals

Statistical Significance of Group Difference
P-Value+

Energy, kcal      

Baseline
Change in 6 weeks
Change in 12 weeks

2,334±888
32±731
24±725

2,250±767
27±675
32±752

>0.2
>0.2
>0.2

Protein,g      

Baseline
Change in 6 weeks
Change in 12 weeks

69.7±28.5
25.9±27.9
26.3±31.7
68.7±31.0
-1.3±27.6
-1.3±35.2
>0.2
<0.001
<0.001
Carbohydrate, g      
Baseline
Change in 6 weeks
Change in 12 weeks
 311.2 ±103.4
-9.7±99.1
-8.3±95.4
 306.9±96.6
20.4±94.2
16.2±97.6 
>0.2
0.01
0.04 
Fat, g      
Baseline
Change in 6 weeks
Change in 12 weeks
 86.1±53.0
-3.6±46.5
-5.2±47.2
 80.9±45.3
-4.1±46.3
-4.9±48.1
 >0.2
>0.2
>0.2
Saturated fat, g      
Baseline
Change in 6 weeks
Change in 12 weeks
 21.1±14.8
-2.2±16.6
-2.5±18.4
 20.0±12.8
-1.6±16.5
-2.5±16.8
 >0.2
>0.2
>0.2
Polyunsaturated fat, g      
Baseline
Change in 6 weeks
Change in 12 weeks
 26.5±18.0
2.2±17.1
1.6±20.1
 25.7±18.5
1.6±20.9
1.3±19.2
>0.2
>0.2
>0.2
Urinary sodium, mmol/d      
Baseline
Change in 6 weeks
Change in 12 weeks
 188.3±74.8
-7.0±90.7
-7.6±100.9
 187.6±70.7
-5.5±85.1
-9.3±91.9
 >0.2
>0.2
>0.2
Urinary potassium, mmol/d      
Baseline
Change in 6 weeks
Change in 12 weeks
32.9±14.0
5.6+22.1
4.2±21.0
33.7±12.3
5.4±21.3
4.2±22.4
>0.2
>0.2
>0.2
Body weight, kg      
Baseline
Change in 6 weeks
Change in 12 weeks
70.6±11.1
0.51±2.67
0.36±2.81
70.0±10.6
0.18±1.43
0.04±2.54
>0.2
0.19
>0.2

Other Findings

  • Compared with the control group, the net changes in SBP and DBP were -4.31mmHg (95% CI: -2.11 to -6.51mmHg, P<0.001) and -2.76mmHg (CI: -1.35 to -4.16mmHg, P<0.001), respectively, after the 12-week intervention
  • The net changes in SBP and DBP reductions were -7.88mmHg (95% CI: -4.66 to -11.1mmHg) and -5.27mmHg (CI: -3.05 to -7.49mmHg), respectively, in persons with HTN and -2.34mmHg (CI: 0.48 to -5.17mmHg) and -1.28mmHg (CI: 0.52 to -3.07mmHg), respectively, in those without HTN.
Author Conclusion:
  • Soybean protein supplementation resulted in a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure
  • These findings suggest that increased intake of soybean protein may play an important role in preventing and treating hypertension
Funding Source:
Government: NIH, NHLBI, Ministry of Science and Society (China)
Reviewer Comments:
  • Mean soy intake did not achieve the amounts desired by researchers, which may indicate the need to study intake of smaller amounts
  • This trial did not examine whether the BP reduction was due to protein or isoflavones in soybean. 
Quality Criteria Checklist: Primary Research
Relevance Questions
  1. Would implementing the studied intervention or procedure (if found successful) result in improved outcomes for the patients/clients/population group? (Not Applicable for some epidemiological studies) Yes
  1. Would implementing the studied intervention or procedure (if found successful) result in improved outcomes for the patients/clients/population group? (Not Applicable for some epidemiological studies) Yes
  2. Did the authors study an outcome (dependent variable) or topic that the patients/clients/population group would care about? Yes
  2. Did the authors study an outcome (dependent variable) or topic that the patients/clients/population group would care about? Yes
  3. Is the focus of the intervention or procedure (independent variable) or topic of study a common issue of concern to dieteticspractice? Yes
  3. Is the focus of the intervention or procedure (independent variable) or topic of study a common issue of concern to dieteticspractice? Yes
  4. Is the intervention or procedure feasible? (NA for some epidemiological studies) Yes
  4. Is the intervention or procedure feasible? (NA for some epidemiological studies) Yes
 
Validity Questions
  1. Was the research question clearly stated? Yes
1. Was the research question clearly stated? Yes
  1.1. Was (were) the specific intervention(s) or procedure(s) [independent variable(s)] identified? Yes
  1.1. Was (were) the specific intervention(s) or procedure(s) [independent variable(s)] identified? Yes
  1.2. Was (were) the outcome(s) [dependent variable(s)] clearly indicated? Yes
  1.2. Was (were) the outcome(s) [dependent variable(s)] clearly indicated? Yes
  1.3. Were the target population and setting specified? Yes
  1.3. Were the target population and setting specified? Yes
  2. Was the selection of study subjects/patients free from bias? Yes
2. Was the selection of study subjects/patients free from bias? Yes
  2.1. Were inclusion/exclusion criteria specified (e.g., risk, point in disease progression, diagnostic or prognosis criteria), and with sufficient detail and without omitting criteria critical to the study? Yes
  2.1. Were inclusion/exclusion criteria specified (e.g., risk, point in disease progression, diagnostic or prognosis criteria), and with sufficient detail and without omitting criteria critical to the study? Yes
  2.2. Were criteria applied equally to all study groups? Yes
  2.2. Were criteria applied equally to all study groups? Yes
  2.3. Were health, demographics, and other characteristics of subjects described? Yes
  2.3. Were health, demographics, and other characteristics of subjects described? Yes
  2.4. Were the subjects/patients a representative sample of the relevant population? Yes
  2.4. Were the subjects/patients a representative sample of the relevant population? Yes
  3. Were study groups comparable? Yes
3. Were study groups comparable? Yes
  3.1. Was the method of assigning subjects/patients to groups described and unbiased? (Method of randomization identified if RCT) Yes
  3.1. Was the method of assigning subjects/patients to groups described and unbiased? (Method of randomization identified if RCT) Yes
  3.2. Were distribution of disease status, prognostic factors, and other factors (e.g., demographics) similar across study groups at baseline? Yes
  3.2. Were distribution of disease status, prognostic factors, and other factors (e.g., demographics) similar across study groups at baseline? Yes
  3.3. Were concurrent controls or comparisons used? (Concurrent preferred over historical control or comparison groups.) Yes
  3.3. Were concurrent controls or comparisons used? (Concurrent preferred over historical control or comparison groups.) Yes
  3.4. If cohort study or cross-sectional study, were groups comparable on important confounding factors and/or were preexisting differences accounted for by using appropriate adjustments in statistical analysis? N/A
  3.4. If cohort study or cross-sectional study, were groups comparable on important confounding factors and/or were preexisting differences accounted for by using appropriate adjustments in statistical analysis? N/A
  3.5. If case control study, were potential confounding factors comparable for cases and controls? (If case series or trial with subjects serving as own control, this criterion is not applicable.) N/A
  3.5. If case control study, were potential confounding factors comparable for cases and controls? (If case series or trial with subjects serving as own control, this criterion is not applicable.) N/A
  3.6. If diagnostic test, was there an independent blind comparison with an appropriate reference standard (e.g., "gold standard")? N/A
  3.6. If diagnostic test, was there an independent blind comparison with an appropriate reference standard (e.g., "gold standard")? N/A
  4. Was method of handling withdrawals described? Yes
4. Was method of handling withdrawals described? Yes
  4.1. Were follow-up methods described and the same for all groups? Yes
  4.1. Were follow-up methods described and the same for all groups? Yes
  4.2. Was the number, characteristics of withdrawals (i.e., dropouts, lost to follow up, attrition rate) and/or response rate (cross-sectional studies) described for each group? (Follow up goal for a strong study is 80%.) Yes
  4.2. Was the number, characteristics of withdrawals (i.e., dropouts, lost to follow up, attrition rate) and/or response rate (cross-sectional studies) described for each group? (Follow up goal for a strong study is 80%.) Yes
  4.3. Were all enrolled subjects/patients (in the original sample) accounted for? Yes
  4.3. Were all enrolled subjects/patients (in the original sample) accounted for? Yes
  4.4. Were reasons for withdrawals similar across groups? Yes
  4.4. Were reasons for withdrawals similar across groups? Yes
  4.5. If diagnostic test, was decision to perform reference test not dependent on results of test under study? N/A
  4.5. If diagnostic test, was decision to perform reference test not dependent on results of test under study? N/A
  5. Was blinding used to prevent introduction of bias? Yes
5. Was blinding used to prevent introduction of bias? Yes
  5.1. In intervention study, were subjects, clinicians/practitioners, and investigators blinded to treatment group, as appropriate? Yes
  5.1. In intervention study, were subjects, clinicians/practitioners, and investigators blinded to treatment group, as appropriate? Yes
  5.2. Were data collectors blinded for outcomes assessment? (If outcome is measured using an objective test, such as a lab value, this criterion is assumed to be met.) Yes
  5.2. Were data collectors blinded for outcomes assessment? (If outcome is measured using an objective test, such as a lab value, this criterion is assumed to be met.) Yes
  5.3. In cohort study or cross-sectional study, were measurements of outcomes and risk factors blinded? N/A
  5.3. In cohort study or cross-sectional study, were measurements of outcomes and risk factors blinded? N/A
  5.4. In case control study, was case definition explicit and case ascertainment not influenced by exposure status? N/A
  5.4. In case control study, was case definition explicit and case ascertainment not influenced by exposure status? N/A
  5.5. In diagnostic study, were test results blinded to patient history and other test results? N/A
  5.5. In diagnostic study, were test results blinded to patient history and other test results? N/A
  6. Were intervention/therapeutic regimens/exposure factor or procedure and any comparison(s) described in detail? Were interveningfactors described? Yes
6. Were intervention/therapeutic regimens/exposure factor or procedure and any comparison(s) described in detail? Were interveningfactors described? Yes
  6.1. In RCT or other intervention trial, were protocols described for all regimens studied? Yes
  6.1. In RCT or other intervention trial, were protocols described for all regimens studied? Yes
  6.2. In observational study, were interventions, study settings, and clinicians/provider described? N/A
  6.2. In observational study, were interventions, study settings, and clinicians/provider described? N/A
  6.3. Was the intensity and duration of the intervention or exposure factor sufficient to produce a meaningful effect? Yes
  6.3. Was the intensity and duration of the intervention or exposure factor sufficient to produce a meaningful effect? Yes
  6.4. Was the amount of exposure and, if relevant, subject/patient compliance measured? Yes
  6.4. Was the amount of exposure and, if relevant, subject/patient compliance measured? Yes
  6.5. Were co-interventions (e.g., ancillary treatments, other therapies) described? Yes
  6.5. Were co-interventions (e.g., ancillary treatments, other therapies) described? Yes
  6.6. Were extra or unplanned treatments described? Yes
  6.6. Were extra or unplanned treatments described? Yes
  6.7. Was the information for 6.4, 6.5, and 6.6 assessed the same way for all groups? Yes
  6.7. Was the information for 6.4, 6.5, and 6.6 assessed the same way for all groups? Yes
  6.8. In diagnostic study, were details of test administration and replication sufficient? N/A
  6.8. In diagnostic study, were details of test administration and replication sufficient? N/A
  7. Were outcomes clearly defined and the measurements valid and reliable? Yes
7. Were outcomes clearly defined and the measurements valid and reliable? Yes
  7.1. Were primary and secondary endpoints described and relevant to the question? Yes
  7.1. Were primary and secondary endpoints described and relevant to the question? Yes
  7.2. Were nutrition measures appropriate to question and outcomes of concern? Yes
  7.2. Were nutrition measures appropriate to question and outcomes of concern? Yes
  7.3. Was the period of follow-up long enough for important outcome(s) to occur? Yes
  7.3. Was the period of follow-up long enough for important outcome(s) to occur? Yes
  7.4. Were the observations and measurements based on standard, valid, and reliable data collection instruments/tests/procedures? Yes
  7.4. Were the observations and measurements based on standard, valid, and reliable data collection instruments/tests/procedures? Yes
  7.5. Was the measurement of effect at an appropriate level of precision? Yes
  7.5. Was the measurement of effect at an appropriate level of precision? Yes
  7.6. Were other factors accounted for (measured) that could affect outcomes? Yes
  7.6. Were other factors accounted for (measured) that could affect outcomes? Yes
  7.7. Were the measurements conducted consistently across groups? Yes
  7.7. Were the measurements conducted consistently across groups? Yes
  8. Was the statistical analysis appropriate for the study design and type of outcome indicators? Yes
8. Was the statistical analysis appropriate for the study design and type of outcome indicators? Yes
  8.1. Were statistical analyses adequately described and the results reported appropriately? Yes
  8.1. Were statistical analyses adequately described and the results reported appropriately? Yes
  8.2. Were correct statistical tests used and assumptions of test not violated? Yes
  8.2. Were correct statistical tests used and assumptions of test not violated? Yes
  8.3. Were statistics reported with levels of significance and/or confidence intervals? Yes
  8.3. Were statistics reported with levels of significance and/or confidence intervals? Yes
  8.4. Was "intent to treat" analysis of outcomes done (and as appropriate, was there an analysis of outcomes for those maximally exposed or a dose-response analysis)? No
  8.4. Was "intent to treat" analysis of outcomes done (and as appropriate, was there an analysis of outcomes for those maximally exposed or a dose-response analysis)? No
  8.5. Were adequate adjustments made for effects of confounding factors that might have affected the outcomes (e.g., multivariate analyses)? Yes
  8.5. Were adequate adjustments made for effects of confounding factors that might have affected the outcomes (e.g., multivariate analyses)? Yes
  8.6. Was clinical significance as well as statistical significance reported? Yes
  8.6. Was clinical significance as well as statistical significance reported? Yes
  8.7. If negative findings, was a power calculation reported to address type 2 error? No
  8.7. If negative findings, was a power calculation reported to address type 2 error? No
  9. Are conclusions supported by results with biases and limitations taken into consideration? Yes
9. Are conclusions supported by results with biases and limitations taken into consideration? Yes
  9.1. Is there a discussion of findings? Yes
  9.1. Is there a discussion of findings? Yes
  9.2. Are biases and study limitations identified and discussed? Yes
  9.2. Are biases and study limitations identified and discussed? Yes
  10. Is bias due to study's funding or sponsorship unlikely? Yes
10. Is bias due to study's funding or sponsorship unlikely? Yes
  10.1. Were sources of funding and investigators' affiliations described? Yes
  10.1. Were sources of funding and investigators' affiliations described? Yes
  10.2. Was the study free from apparent conflict of interest? Yes
  10.2. Was the study free from apparent conflict of interest? Yes