Written by Jessica Patella, ND. In a study of 71 young participants, those taking a whey protein supplement had decreased blood pressure if their blood pressure was too high.
Approximately 74.5 million Americans over the age of 20 have high blood pressure (3). Many people search out dietary options to control hypertension or pre-hypertension before pharmaceutical treatment is prescribed (2). Recent research showed that whey protein drinks might be helpful for prehypertension and stage 1 hypertension in young adults (2).
The research included 71 participants, ages 18-25, that were followed weekly to measure systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (2). Of the 71 participants, 25 had normal blood pressure (SBP <120mmHg and DBP < 80mmHg), 42 had prehypertension (SBP 120-139mmHg and/or DBP 85-89 mmHg), and 4 had stage 1 hypertension (SBP 140-159mmHg and/or DBP 90-99mmHg) at baseline (1,2).
All 71 participants were given a whey protein beverage to consume over the 6-week period. Thirty-five participants received whey protein and 36 participants received whey protein with additional protease enzyme (with the intent to increase digestion of the whey protein). The whey protein drink and the whey protein hydrolyzed with additional enzymes contained the same amount of calories (236), fat (2g), carbohydrates (27g), sugar (27g), fiber (1g) and protein (28g). There were no significant differences seen between the two groups, suggesting that the additional protease enzyme did not affect blood pressure (2).
Diet diaries were recorded during the week prior to whey protein drink consumption and during the final week of the study. The diary included all food and drink consumed for 3 consecutive days with descriptions of food type and portion size (2). No significant changes were seen throughout the study period, except for an increase in protein due to the whey protein drinks (2).
Sixteen participants had both elevated SBP and DBP (SBP 120.7-151.0 and DBP 80.0-92.7 mmHg). Significant decreases were seen in this group for SBP (131.8 +/- 7.4 mmHg at baseline to 123.8 +/- 7.8 mmHg at week 6; P<0.001) and DBP (83.4 +/- 3.8 mmHg at baseline to 74.8 +/- 6.5 mmHg at week 6; P<0.001).
Twenty-four participants had elevated SBP (>120 mmHg) and normal DBP (58-74 mmHg) at baseline. Significant effects were seen after 6 weeks in lowering SBP (127.6 +/- 7.8 mmHg at baseline to 123.8 +/- 11.2 mmHg at 6 weeks; P<0.04). No significant changes were seen in DBP.
In conclusion, daily whey protein drinks lowered blood pressure in prehypertensive and stage 1 hypertensive young adults, regardless of additional protease enzymes (2). The whey protein drinks did not alter blood pressure in those that already had normal blood pressure. Further research is needed to evaluate the effects in a larger population group with a wider range of ages. A study with a protein-free control beverage would also be helpful.
Source: Fluegel, Susan M., et al. “Whey beverages decrease blood pressure in prehypertensive and hypertensive young men and women.” International dairy journal 20.11 (2010): 753-760.
© 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Posted September 17, 2010.
References:
- MedlinePlus. Hypertension. Posted on the Medline Plus website.
- Fluegel, et al. Whey beverages decrease blood pressure in prehypertensive and hypertensive young men and women. International Diary Journal 20 (2010) 753-760.
- American Heart Association. High Blood Pressure Statistics. Posted on the American Heart Association website.
