Protein supplementation and blood pressure

January 01, 0001

Protein supplementation and blood pressure

In follow up from earlier observational studies, these US researchers a randomized, double-blind crossover trial to compare the effect of soy or milk protein supplementation versus carbohydrate supplementation on blood pressure (BP) in healthy adults (n=352). Enrollees had prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension and took 40 g/d soy protein, milk protein, or carbohydrate supplementation each for 8 weeks in a random order with a three week washout between phases.

The researchers found: "Compared with carbohydrate controls, soy protein and milk protein supplementations were significantly associated with -2.0 mm Hg and -2.3 mm Hg net changes in systolic BP, respectively. Diastolic BP was also reduced, but this change did not reach statistical significance. There was no significant difference in the BP reductions achieved between soy or milk protein supplementation."

The researchers concluded: "The results from this randomized, controlled trial indicate that both soy and milk protein intake reduce systolic BP compared with a high-glycemic-index refined carbohydrate among patients with prehypertension and stage 1 hypertension. Furthermore, these findings suggest that partially replacing carbohydrate with soy or milk protein might be an important component of nutrition intervention strategies for the prevention and treatment of hypertension."

This study finds good evidence that dietary soy or milk protein reduces blood pressure vis-à-vis refined carbohydrate intake.

For the full abstract, click here.

Circulation 124(5):589-595, 2 August 2011 © 2011 American Heart Association, Inc.
Effect of Dietary Protein Supplementation on Blood Pressure. Jiang He, Marion R. Wofford, Kristi Reynolds, et al. Correspondence to Jiang He: [email protected]

Category: K. Circulatory, T. Endocrine/Metabolic/Nutritional. Keywords: hypertension, protein, carbohydrate, diet, soy, randomized controlled trial, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Paul Schaefer, Toledo, Ohio. Posted on Global Family Doctor 13 September 2011

Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.

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