Effect of Prebiotics on Blood Pressure Management

Highland barley β-glucan belongs to the group of prebiotics and has been found to be associated with multiple health benefits. However, its protective role in subjects with hypertension are remain unclear. This study aims to examine the effect of 12-week prebiotics supplementation on blood pressure management in subjects with hypertension. By understanding the mechanism by which prebiotics exert the beneficial effects, we can better control the rising prevalence of hypertension, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

Inclusion criteria

• Age:30-65 years old
• Newly diagnosed hypertension did not use antihypertensive drugs OR Systolic blood pressure ≥140mmHg on the physical examination OR Diastolic blood pressure ≥90mmHg on the physical examination.
• BMI≥18 kg/m2

Exclusion criteria

• Receiving or have been treated with antihypertensive drugs.
• Complications including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and stroke.
• Severe liver or renal insufficiency (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase or alkaline phosphatase is greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal OR GFR<30ml/min/1.73m2).
• Autoimmune diseases or thyroid diseases.
• Women who are pregnant, nursing, or prepare to give birth during the trail.
• Malignant disease, infectious disease, inflammatory disease and advanced liver disease.
• Mental or intellectual abnormalities, unable to sign informed consent.
• Complications including chronic gastrointestinal disease; or suffered from acute gastrointestinal diseases within 1 months before screening visit.
• Received antibiotics, probiotics within 3 months before screening visit or throughout the trail.
• Major operations were performed within six months of screening visit, or will be made during the trial.
• Alcohol abuse (alcohol intake>60g/d for male and alcohol intake>40g/d for female)