Abstract
Lactobacillus helveticus-fermented milk (sour milk) contains the angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory tripeptides Val-Pro-Pro and Ile-Pro-Pro. A placebo-controlled, double-blind study was conducted to investigate the hypotensive effects of 160g sour milk drink per day administered continuously over a period of 8 weeks in individuals who had mild or moderate hypertension untreated with drugs (sour milk group; male/female=6/9, mean age 52.4±6.5 years, Systolic blood pressure/Diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP)=159±12/93±6mmHg: placebo group; male/female=6/9, mean age 51.5±5.9 years, SBP/DBP=159±12/94±9mmHg). The results revealed that SBP and DBP were significantly decreased in the sour milk group, compared to those before the start of sour milk intake. In the placebo group, in contrast, no changes in blood pressure were observed during the intake period. A significant difference in the decrease of blood pressure was found between the two groups. In addition, no adverse reactions such as dry cough, digestive tract symptoms or abnormal changes were observed. These results suggest that sour milk is useful for controlling blood pressure in subjects with mild or moderate hypertension without drug treatment.
