Red and processed meat consumption and food insecurity are associated with hypertension; analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, 2003–2016

Objective: This study examined the joint association of red and processed meat intake and food insecurity with hypertension. Methods: Adult participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2016 were included. Total red meat intake was estimated using 24 h dietary recalls. Food insecurity was defined as having three or more affirmative responses using the Food Security Survey Module. Hypertension was defined as having mean SBP of at least 130 mmHg or DBP of at least 85 mmHg or use of antihypertensive drugs. Multivariable surveylogistic regression models were used to examine the independent and joint associations of total red meat and food insecurity with hypertension. Results: A total of 31 314 participants [mean (SE) age of 46.8 (0.3) years] were included, of whom 18.3% were food insecure. Total red meat consumption and food insecurity were independently associated with higher odds of hypertension. Compared with the first quintile of total red meat intake, participants in the fourth and fifth quintiles of total red meat intake had 29 and 39% higher odds of hypertension, respectively ( P = 0.003). These associations were stronger among food insecure participants ( P value for interaction <0.001). Substituting one serving/day of poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, or plant-based protein sources for total red meat was each associated with 8–15% lower odds of hypertension. Conclusion: This study provides further evidence regarding the health hazards of total red meat consumption in relation with hypertension and calls for more awareness among food insecure groups.