Gut may hold key to heart health

DIET alone may be enough to help many people control their blood pressure, with a new supplement that promotes the right mix of gut bacteria about to be tested.

Melbourne researchers will see whether a prebiotic powder can prove this theory, and help the two-thirds of Australians whose hypertension is untreated or cannot be controlled by medication.

While a high-fibre diet – one rich in fruit, vegetables and whole grains – has been shown to lower blood pressure, previous research from Monash University and the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute has found this is likely to occur because of fibre’s impact on gut bacteria.

Lead researcher Dr Francine Marques said a particular type of fibre called “resistant starch”, had emerged as the major piece in the gut health puzzle.

“This type of fibre is usually undigested by us, but once it reaches the gut the microbiome loves it,” Dr Marques said.

“They feed on it, and the fermentation that’s caused by them digesting the fibre releases substances that we are learning are good for lowering blood pressure.”

On the back of these findings, the National Heart Foundation is funding the researchers to conduct a trial using a CSIRO-developed supplement in meals.

The double-blinded study will give participants a specially prepared breakfast and dinner, which contains either a placebo or active supplement, for three weeks. After a threeweek break, they will return to the study and consume foods from the other arm.

Dr Marques said although 30 per cent of Australian adults have high blood pressure and it was a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke, many people were reluctant to take medication because they could not feel the effects of hypertension.

“Having high blood pressure is the main risk factor for death, globally,” Dr Marques said. “It needs to be taken seriously.”