Q: My son is 22 years old and a healthy athlete. His blood pressure has been elevated and usually remains around 140/90 to 150/100 over the past one year. Family history includes hypertension from maternal and paternal grandparents. He is taking a protein supplement called Nitro Tech, which includes 20 gm protein and Ginseng and Creatine. Could this be the cause of his elevated BP and is it safe?

A:I would suggest him to take natural proteins, fruits and vegetables etc. and lower salt intake. These jazzy combinations are not very good and do not have any scientific support. If the BP is still > 150/90 investigations for secondary causes of BP elevation under supervision of a physician is desirable.