Do non-fat dairy products help to reduce blood pressure?

This study aimed to see if adding 4 servings of non-fat dairy products to the diet could reduce high blood pressure.

Having high blood pressure as you get older puts you at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. 120 (systolic, the pressure when the heart is contracting)/ 80 (diastolic, the pressure when the heart is relaxed) mm Hg is considered to be normal resting blood pressure. As you age the first number (systolic) tends to go up and the second reading (diastolic) tends to remain the same or reduce. A larger difference in the numbers increases pulse pressure. A high pulse pressure puts you at greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, small changes in your lifestyle, such as to exercise and diet, have been shown to reduce blood pressure.

The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is often recommended as a way to lower blood pressure. The DASH diet is a low-sodium diet that includes mainly whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low/non-fat dairy products.  The DASH diet reduced blood pressure more than a similar diet that did not include low/non-fat dairy products. It is possible that just adding non-fat dairy to the diet could help to lower blood pressure.

products. It is possible that just adding non-fat dairy to the diet could help to lower blood pressure.

This study aimed to see if adding 4 servings of non-fat dairy products to the diet could reduce high blood pressure. 49 adults participated in this study.  They were randomly split into 2 different groups. Group 1 had no dairy in their diet, but added 4 servings of fruit per day. Group 2 had 4 servings per day of non-fat dairy in their diet. After 4 weeks the groups swapped diets. Group 1 had 4 servings of low-fat dairy added to their diet. Group 2 followed the dairy free diet.  

Ambulatory blood pressure (a non-invasive method of measuring the changes in blood pressure that occur over 24 hours) was recorded. Blood pressure was also tested while seated on a weekly basis. The two groups ate the same amount of calories. 

Both seated and ambulatory systolic blood pressure decreased significantly with the addition of non-fat dairy to the diet. Pulse pressure was reduced by 6 mm Hg. These changes were seen as early as week 3 of the diet.

Systolic blood pressure did not change during the non-dairy diet. Pulse pressure increased by 2 mm Hg.

Diastolic blood pressure did not change with either of the diets. There were no changes in body mass index (BMI, a measure of body fat that takes height and weight into account) or levels of cholesterol in the blood. 

This study concluded that non-fat dairy products can help to lower blood pressure.

Although the study only tested non-fat dairy produce. It is not clear from this study whether full-fat dairy products might be just as or more beneficial. 

Consult with your doctor before undergoing any major change in your diet.