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Study Title:

Higher Protein Helps Lower Blood Pressure

Study Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Dietary protein intake may help to manage blood pressure (BP) and prevent complications associated with elevated BP.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to determine whether 4 wk of increased protein intake (∼25% compared with ∼15% of energy intake that isoenergetically replaces carbohydrate intake) lowers office and daytime BP compared with increased carbohydrate intake.

DESIGN:

A randomized, double-blind, parallel study compared consumption of 3 × 20 g protein/d (20% pea, 20% soy, 30% egg, and 30% milk-protein isolate) with 3 × 20 g maltodextrin/d. Protein or maltodextrin were isoenergetically substituted for a sugar-sweetened drink. Primary outcomes were office and daytime BP. A total of 99 men and women [age range: 20-70 y; BMI (in kg/m(2)): 25-35] with untreated elevated BP (BP ≥130/85 and <160/100 mm Hg) were randomly assigned. Ninety-four completers (51 subjects in the maltodextrin group, 43 subjects in the protein group) were included in the analyses.

RESULTS:

Office systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were 4.9 ± 1.7 mm Hg (P = 0.005) and 2.7 ± 1.3 mm Hg (P = 0.05) lower, respectively, in the protein group. Daytime SBP was 4.6 ± 1.7 mm Hg lower in the protein group (P = 0.006), whereas daytime DBP did not differ between groups (P = 0.37). Urinary sodium excretion was higher in the maltodextrin group (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION:

Increased protein intake, at the expense of maltodextrin, lowers BP in overweight adults with upper-range prehypertension and grade 1 hypertension

Study Information

Teunissen-Beek KF, Dopheide J, Geleijnse JM, Bakker SJ, Brink EJ, de Leeuw PW, van Baak MA.
Protein supplementation lowers blood pressure in overweight adults: effect of dietary proteins on blood pressure (PROPRES), a randomized trial.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
2012 April
Top Institute Food and Nutrition, Wageningen, Netherlands.