A fermented milk high in bioactive peptides has a blood pressure-lowering effect in hypertensive subjects.
BACKGROUND
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE; EC 3.4.15.1) plays a dual role in the regulation of hypertension: it catalyzes the production of the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II and it inactivates the vasodilator bradykinin. By inhibiting these processes, ACE inhibitors have antihypertensive effects. Peptides derived from milk proteins can have ACE-inhibiting properties and may thus be used as antihypertensive components.


OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the long-term blood pressure-lowering effect of milk fermented by Lactobacillus helveticus LBK-16H in hypertensive subjects.


METHODS
In a randomized placebo-controlled study, 39 hypertensive patients received 150 mL/d of either L. helveticus LBK-16H fermented milk or a control product for 21 wk after a 2-wk run-in period. During the run-in period, the average baseline diastolic and systolic blood pressure values were 155 and 97 mm Hg, respectively, in the test product group and 152 and 96 mm Hg, respectively, in the control group. After the run-in period, blood pressure was measured at home on the same day every week with the use of an automatic blood pressure recorder.


RESULTS
There was a mean difference of 6.7 +/- 3.0 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure (P = 0.030) and of 3.6 +/- 1.9 mm Hg (P = 0.059) in diastolic blood pressure between the test product and control groups. Demographic factors had no significant effect on the responses.


CONCLUSIONS
L. helveticus LBK-16H fermented milk containing bioactive peptides in normal daily use has a blood pressure-lowering effect in hypertensive subjects.
Seppo
Leena
L
Valio, Ltd, Research Center, Helsinki, Finland.
Jauhiainen
Tiina
T
Poussa
Tuija
T
Korpela
Riitta
R
D000328:Adult; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005285:Fermentation; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008892:Milk / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology; D008894:Milk Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010455:Peptides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D008894:Milk Proteins; D010455:Peptides; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A