The DASH diet limits intake of which nutrient most strictly?

The DASH diet limits intake of which nutrient most strictly?

• A. Sodium
• B. Potassium
• C. Calcium
• D. Fiber

Answer: (A)

Reducing sodium intake is the most strictly limited aspect of the DASH approach because sodium directly drives blood pressure by increasing fluid volume and vascular resistance. The DASH plan aims to lower sodium to about 1500 mg/day for many people, which has the strongest BP-lowering effect. In contrast, the diet is designed to increase intake of potassium, calcium, and fiber—nutrients that support cardiovascular health and help manage blood pressure—rather than restrict them. Potassium, for example, helps counterbalance sodium’s effects, while calcium-rich foods and fiber-rich choices (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy) contribute to overall heart health. If there are kidney or other health considerations, potassium may need special monitoring, but, in general, sodium is the nutrient most tightly limited.

Reducing sodium intake is the most strictly limited aspect of the DASH approach because sodium directly drives blood pressure by increasing fluid volume and vascular resistance. The DASH plan aims to lower sodium to about 1500 mg/day for many people, which has the strongest BP-lowering effect. In contrast, the diet is designed to increase intake of potassium, calcium, and fiber—nutrients that support cardiovascular health and help manage blood pressure—rather than restrict them. Potassium, for example, helps counterbalance sodium’s effects, while calcium-rich foods and fiber-rich choices (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy) contribute to overall heart health. If there are kidney or other health considerations, potassium may need special monitoring, but, in general, sodium is the nutrient most tightly limited.