Abstract
Hypertension is a major public health issue that disproportionately affects African Americans; impacting 42% and 44% of men and women, respectively. Analysis of 1999 to 2006 NHANES data indicated that the dietary intakes of 4094 African Americans did not vary greatly by hypertension status. Dietary intakes of magnesium, calcium, and potassium, that are emphasized by the DASH diet, were below nutrient intake recommendations. Similarly, food sources of these nutrients were identified to determine the food intake patterns by hypertension status. These data will support further culturally-specific nutrition education efforts for the prevention and treatment of hypertension in African American patients.