Research Shows TensGuard from DSM is Effective Under Pressure

28/05/08 A recent clinical trial conducted by TNO, a leading independent Dutch research organisation, shows that DSM’s breakthrough dairy peptide ingredient, TensGuard, successfully lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with mild hypertension. These results will be welcome news for functional food and dietary supplement manufacturers looking for effective ingredients to tap into the growing market for blood pressure management products.

The randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study involved 80 subjects all aged between 30 and 70. All participants were pre-hypertensive or at stage 1 hypertension at the start of the trial, as assessed at pre-study screenings. The subjects were given a course of capsules containing either TensGuard or a placebo. They consumed two of these daily for a period of four weeks – one after breakfast and one after the evening meal.

The results demonstrate that TensGuard has a beneficial effect on blood pressure levels. The subjects with stage 1 hypertension saw a reduction in blood pressure following treatment with TensGuard, compared with the placebo. Systolic blood pressure was shown to reduce by 3.8mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.3mmHg. Research studies indicate that a reduction in systolic blood pressure of 3-5 mmHg is associated with a decrease in the risk for stroke and coronary heart disease of approximately 15% and 10% respectively*.

Commenting on the study results, Wim van Hartingsveldt, business development manager, TNO, said: “Currently, blood pressure management is a health issue under intense scrutiny. The growing number of people suffering from high blood pressure has caused concern amongst consumers worldwide, who increasingly look to dietary supplements to maintain good health. At TNO, blood pressure management is an important focus of our clinical trials and consultancy applications. TNO has proved the efficacy of DSM’s TensGuard in lowering the blood pressure of mild hypertensive subjects. Blood pressure lowering effects were found after just four weeks of treatment with the ingredient. Moreover, the ingredient showed no adverse effects in the clinical tests and our toxicological evaluations did not indicate any concerns.

TensGuard contains the so-called ‘lactotripeptide’ Isoleucine-Proline-Proline (IPP), the active peptide responsible for the blood pressure lowering effect. While present at low levels in normal dairy products, lactotripeptides are inactive within the original milk protein and must be released through enzymatic predigestion to become effective. TensGuard contains the released lactotripeptides, delivering their benefits in a highly concentrated, convenient form.

Produced using DSM’s patented process, TensGuard is odourless, has a clean taste and is entirely water soluble. The effective dose of TensGuard is low, due to its highly concentrated form. It is suitable for application in a wide range of foods and beverages, including fruit juice, bottled water, dairy drinks, yoghurt, cereal bars and margarine. In addition, a granulated powder format has been developed that can be incorporated into chewable, tablet and capsule format.