Probiotics may lower blood pressure

HealthDay News — Regular consumption of probiotics may improve blood pressure control, according to a study published in Hypertension.

To access the effect of probiotic consumption on hypertension, Saman Khalesi, PhD, of Griffith University in Gold Coast, Australia, and colleagues conducted a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of data from nine randomized, controlled trials.

Compared with controls, patients who consumed probiotics experienced significant reductions in systolic BP (−3.56 mm Hg; 95% CI: −6.46 to −0.66) and diastolic BP (−2.38 mm Hg; 95% CI: −3.84 to −0.93). BP reductions were greater for multiple versus single species of probiotics.

Subgroup analysis showed a greater improvement in diastolic BP for those with baseline BP of 130/85 mm Hg or higher compared with less than 130/85 mm Hg. No significant reductions in BP were observed for an intervention of less than eight weeks or a daily dose of probiotics less than 10¹¹ colony-forming units.

“The present meta-analysis suggests that consuming probiotics may improve BP by a modest degree, with a potentially greater effect when baseline BP is elevated, multiple species of probiotics are consumed, the duration of intervention is ≥8 weeks, or daily consumption dose is ≥10¹¹ colony-forming units,” wrote the researchers.