Does fermented milk possess antihypertensive effect in humans?

J Hypertens. 2009 Jun;27(6):1115-20. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0b013e3283292716.

Abstract

The putative antihypertensive effect of milk after fermentation by lactic bacteria has attracted attention over the past 20 years. Research on fermented milk and hypertension has mainly focused on the content of peptides with in-vitro angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibitor effect. However, fermented milk products contain several proteins, peptides and minerals, all with possible different antihypertensive modes of actions. The burden of cardiovascular events in industrialized countries caused by hypertension is considerable. Diet modifications are one way to lower blood pressure, and fermented milk could be a feasible way. In this review, interventional human studies of the possible antihypertensive effect of fermented milk are evaluated. The results are diverging, and the antihypertensive effect is still debatable. Additionally, present knowledge of bioavailability and in-vivo actions of the peptides in fermented milk are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antihypertensive Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biological Availability
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Cultured Milk Products / chemistry*
  • Cultured Milk Products / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / diet therapy*
  • Hypertension / physiopathology
  • Milk Proteins / pharmacokinetics
  • Milk Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Oligopeptides / pharmacokinetics
  • Opioid Peptides / pharmacology
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Milk Proteins
  • Oligopeptides
  • Opioid Peptides
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid