Whey Protein Supplement Appears To Inhibit ACE, Lowers BP

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07.09.04 -- Whey Protein Supplement Appears To Inhibit ACE, Lowers BP

Republished with permission from NutraIngredients.com, June 16, 2004

Hydrolyzed whey proteins significantly reduce blood pressure in a

small clinical trial, likely by altering multiple cardiovascular

disease risk factors, reported researchers at a recent diabetes

conference.

Hypertension affects over 80 percent of diabetics and is one of the

primary risk markers for metabolic syndrome. ACE (angiotensin

converting enzyme) inhibitors made by drug companies have been found

to be beneficial in treating hypertension, particularly in patients

with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and also appear to provide good

cardiovascular and renal protection. They do however have side

effects.

Previous research findings indicate that the bio-active peptides in

fermented dairy foods also significantly lower blood pressure and

animal data suggests that this may be through inhibiting ACE.

A team from the University of Minnesota led by Pins carried out

a study to test the effects of an enzymatically prepared hydrolyzed

whey protein supplement, containing concentrated specific bio-active

peptides, on multiple heart disease risk factors, including ACE

activity and bradykinin, which increases vascular permeability and

dilates blood vessels.

The double blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial enrolled 30

generally healthy individuals with mild/moderate hypertension.

Participants were randomized to either 20g daily of hydrolyzed or

unmodified whey protein and were asked to not make lifestyle changes

throughout the six-week trial.

As previously reported, treatment resulted in a significant reduction

in blood pressure levels by the end of the first week of treatment.

This effect was maintained throughout the study, reported the

researchers at last week's ADA Scientific Sessions .

Treatment significantly reduced ACE activity while ACE activity

remained mostly unchanged by the control protein. Meanwhile

bradykinin was significantly increased by treatment from 35.63.3

pg/mL to 88.76.5 pg/mL but was not significantly changed by the

control protein.

" In our study, hydrolyzed whey proteins significantly reduce BP,

likely by altering ACE activity and bradykinin levels, " concluded the

team. A 5 mm Hg decrease in blood pressure has been equated with a 16

percent decrease in heart disease, the leading cause of death

globally.