*3.2. Definitions of the DASH Diet*

Four studies used the definition of the DASH diet based on the DASH score constructed by Fung and colleagues [32], while six studies provided their own definition of the DASH diet score based either on food groups or types of macro- and micronutrients using different cut points for low and high adherence. One study defined the DASH diet according to recommended and restricted food groups as well as sodium consumption based on the guide published by the National Institutes of Health and the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. In one study, the DASH diet was described as the sum of three food groups, namely, vegetables, fruit, and milk products using the hypothesis-oriented pattern variable.
