Low-fat dairy linked with low blood pressure

December 14, 2005 in Heart Health, Nutrition Topics in the News

Low-fat dairy linked with low blood pressure

According to Spanish researchers, adults who consume skim milk and other low fat dairy foods have lower blood pressure than others their age. In fact, individuals with the highest consumption of low fat dairy were about half as likely to develop high blood pressure as those with the lowest intakes.

In the study of over 5, 800 adults, researchers followed participants for over two years. At the beginning of the study, all participants were free from high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. During the course of the study, participants completed questionnaires on their diets and other health and lifestyle factors. Overall, 180 people developed the condition during the study period. Those who had reported the highest intake of low-fat dairy - mostly in the form of skim and reduced-fat milk - were 54 percent less likely to develop high blood pressure than those with the lowest intakes.

While these results are promising for individuals who are interested in lowering their blood pressure, more studies are needed to identify the exact mechanism that is responsible for decrease in blood pressure.

This latest study appears in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.