Is there a benefit of milk protein supplements in early-stage hypertension?

This study looked at the effect of the milk proteins, whey and calcium, on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors (affecting the heart and blood vessels) in patients with hypertension. The authors concluded that taking milk protein supplements reduced blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive patients.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. The risk of developing CVD is higher in patients with hypertension. If left untreated, CVD can lead to strokes or, in extreme cases, heart failure or death. Managing hypertension in its early stages could reduce these risks.

Patients with pre-hypertension have consistently increased blood pressure and are considered at risk of developing hypertension. Pre-hypertension and mild hypertension is often managed by making lifestyle changes. These include weight reduction and increasing physical activity. Some dietary changes, such as increasing milk intake, are also believed to help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of CVD. Patients can easily increase their intake of milk protein by taking supplements such as whey or calcium.

38 patients with pre-hypertension or mild hypertension were included in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either calcium supplements, whey supplements, or a food starch sachet (control group) over a period of 8 weeks. Changes in systolic blood pressure (pressure when the heart is contracting) and diastolic blood pressure (pressure when the heart is between beats) were measured over a 24-hour period. Changes in artery functon were measured using flow mediated dilation (FMD) to determine CVD risk. Increases in FMD indicates a decrease in CVD risk.  

Whey protein significantly reduced 24-hour systolic blood pressure by 3.9 mm Hg and reduced diastolic blood pressure by 2.5 mm Hg.

Both whey and calcium significantly lowered total cholesterol. Whey protein significantly reduced triacylglycerol (the main element in body fats). 

This study concluded that milk proteins taken as supplements can reduce a measure of CVD risk and lower blood pressure in patients with early-stage hypertension.

Larger studies are needed to confirm these results. The doses of protein given in this study were high, above the normal intake of the general population.