Hypotensive effect of fermented milk containing γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in subjects with high normal blood pressure

Abstract

Hypotensive effects and safety of fermented milk containing GABA (FMG) were investigated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. The subjects were adult males and females with high normal blood pressure (systolic blood pressure, SBP ; test group=133.9±0.4mmHg, placebo group = 133.9±0.4. diastolic blood pressure, DBP ; test group=76.2±1. 3mmHg, placebo group=77.0±1.2mmHg), who were not taking hypotensive medicine. FMG and placebo were given to test group and placebo group, respectively, for 12 weeks. The results revealed that the SBP was significantly lowered after 8 weeks of feeding in the test group and that DBP was significantly lowered after 12 weeks. In contrast, no changes in SBP or DBP were observed in the placebo group. During the test, no abnormal changes were observed in the results of blood examination, urinalysis or physical examination. Also, no adverse reactions, such as digestive tract symptoms, dry coughing, or allergic phenomena, were observed. In conclusion, these results demonstrated the benefits and safety of the FMG in subjects with high normal pressure.