This study will investigate the effect of probiotics in the prevention of hypertension. The main outcome will be a change in blood pressure (BP) after 12 weeks of treatment.
The details
Hypertension is a common and serious condition. Managing blood pressure (BP) levels is very important. Uncontrolled high BP can lead to heart attack, stroke, and death. It can also increase the risk of other conditions. Preventing hypertension is crucial.
Probiotics are compounds that increase the number of microorganisms in the gut. These are important for digestion and overall health. Another term for the microorganism in the gut is called the gut microbiota (GMB). Probiotics can improve gut health by supporting the GMB. Some studies show that a healthy GMB can improve certain conditions. It is unclear if probiotics can be used to prevent hypertension in people at risk.
This study will investigate the effect of probiotics in preventing hypertension. The main outcome will be a change in BP and GMB.
Who are they looking for?
This trial will recruit 40 patients. Patients with BP of 120-139 mmHg systolic BP and of 80-89 mm Hg diastolic can take part in the trial. Participants must not be on a diet, medications or dietary supplements that might interfere with BP or GMB.
Patients with diabetes or any other metabolic disease cannot take part. Any heart or brain vascular disease is also excluded. Patients with infections or chronic immune system conditions will also be excluded from the trial.
How will it work
Patients will be assigned to one of two groups. One group will take a probiotic supplement (capsule) once daily for 12 weeks. Patients in the control group will take a placebo (dummy) capsule. The probiotic will contain Lactobacillus paracasei.
BP and GMB will be measured at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Other circulatory tests such as the pulse wave velocity (PWV; a measure of artery stiffness) and ankle-brachial index (ABI; a measure of peripheral artery disease) will also be measured at the beginning and at the end of the study.
