Hypotensive Effects of Conventional Dairy Products: Role of Arterial Stiffness

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Elevated systolic blood pressure is by far the largest single contributor to cardiovascular risks in middle-aged and older adults. Lifestyle modifications, including dietary modifications, are the first line approach for treating and preventing hypertension. The general aim of the proposed study is to address the efficacy of conventional dairy products as part of the normal routine diet for lowing arterial blood pressure in middle-aged and older adults with elevated blood pressure. The investigators hypothesize that the dietary intervention including dairy products will induce significant decreases in arterial blood pressure in this population. A secondary aim will be to test the hypothesis that these reductions in systolic blood pressure will be associated with increases in arterial stiffness/compliance and endothelial vasodilatory function.

Official Title
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Hypotensive Effects of Conventional Dairy Products: Role of Arterial Stiffness

Conditions
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Prehypertension, Stage-1 Hypertension

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: Non-fat dairy
* Dietary Supplement: Add 4 servings fruit


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Prehypertension or stage-1 hypertension Exclusion Criteria: Consume > 3 servings of dairy or fruit per day Strenuous physical activity > 3 time per week Lactose intolerance, pregnancy, lactation, and/or alcohol abuse Taking cardiovascular-acting drugs Overt cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, GI disorders and/or renal disease

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 35 Years
Maximum Age: 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Dairy<br>Add 4 daily servings of non-fat dairy to diet for a period of 4 weeks | Dietary Supplement: Non-fat dairy<br>* Add 4 daily servings per day of non-fat dairy (yogurt, milk, cheese) for a period of 4 weeks<br>|
| Active Comparator: Fruit<br>Add 4 daily servings of fruit to diet, remove all dairy from diet for a period of 4 weeks | Dietary Supplement: Add 4 servings fruit<br>* Add 4 daily servings of fruit (fruit cup, apple sauce, orange juice) and remove all dairy for a period for 4 weeks<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Seated blood pressure |  | 4 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure |  | 4 weeks | 
| Carotid arterial compliance |  | 4 weeks | 
| Arterial stiffness |  | 4 weeks | 
| Flow mediated dilation |  | 4 weeks |