Whey Protein Shown to Reduce Blood Pressure

Beverages containing whey proteins may help people at risk of developing hypertension reduce their blood pressure according to a study published in the September 2010 issue of the International Dairy Journal.

Researchers from Washington State University recruited 71 young men and women with an average age of 20 and borderline high blood pressure for the study.

The participants were given a beverage containing 28 grams of either hydrolyzed or non-hydrolyzed whey protein every day for 6 weeks.

The researchers found that participants with normal blood pressure readings at the start of the study appeared to see no reduction in blood pressure at the end of the study.

On the other hand, participants with elevated blood pressure at the start of the study saw a significant decrease in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure (8.0, 8.6 and 6.4 mm Hg respectively).

These findings appear to show that the whey protein beverages had a normalizing effect on elevated blood pressure and did not cause hypotension in those with normal range blood pressure. This suggests that whey proteins may be a plausible dietary intervention for high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in the US but there are a number of dietary interventions beyond whey protein that can help reduce the risk of developing CVD.

Previous studies have shown that incorporating more vitamin D, fatty fish (tuna, salmon, mackerel), and fruits and vegetables in your diet can significantly reduce blood pressure and the risk of additional heart health complications.