An increase in renal dopamine does not stimulate natriuresis after fava bean ingestion.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Fava beans (Vicia faba) contain dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa), and their ingestion may increase dopamine stores. Renal dopamine regulates blood pressure and blood volume via a natriuretic effect.

Objective

The objective was to determine the relation between dietary fava beans, plasma and urinary catechols, and urinary sodium excretion in 13 healthy volunteers.

Design

Catechol and sodium data were compared by using a longitudinal design in which all participants consumed a fixed-sodium study diet on day 1 and the fixed-sodium diet plus fava beans on day 2. Blood was sampled at 1, 2, 4, and 6 h after a meal, and 3 consecutive 4-h urine samples were collected.

Results

Mean (±SD) plasma dopa was significantly greater 1 h after fava bean consumption (11,6

SUBMITTER: Garland EM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3628380 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature