Do Probiotics Lower Blood Pressure?

Probiotics have been linked to health benefits, such as improved digestion, reduced depression, a stronger immune system, and prevention of urinary tract infections. Researchers are now exploring a possible connection between probiotics and blood pressure.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live bacteria and microorganisms that promote proper bodily function, especially within the digestive tract.

The body is full of “good” and “bad” bacteria. Probiotics are often referred to as “good”.

Probiotics are naturally found in the intestines to assist with food digestion, elimination of disease-causing microorganisms, and vitamin production.

Probiotics to lower blood pressure

How the body maintains a stable blood pressure is complex with numerous biological pathways. One pathway involves angiotensin converting enzymes (ACE) responsible for vasoconstriction of blood vessels. ACE inhibitors are blood pressure medications that inhibit the function of ACE. Probiotics have been shown to have similar ACE-inhibitory activity via the production of antihypertensive peptides. (FYI – Peptides are a combination of amino acids. Amino acids are the build blocks for protein.)

Researchers reviewed human studies on the effect of probiotics on blood pressure. Evaluation of nine trials found probiotic consumption to lower systolic blood pressure by 3.56 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.39 mm Hg.

Greater blood pressure reduction was seen when multiple versus single species probiotics were consumed and if baseline blood pressure was above 130/85 mm Hg versus less than 130/85 mm Hg. Greater reduction was also seen in individuals who consumed the probiotic for a duration greater than 8 weeks.

This research analysis suggests probiotic consumption may modestly improve blood pressure levels.
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