Blood pressure drops with DMV ingredient

A milk ingredient made by Dutch ingredients business DMV International can effectively reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients, the company reported this week.

A milk ingredient made by Dutch ingredients business DMV International can effectively reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients, the company reported this week.

In a randomised, crossover and double blind study at the University of Pennsylvania in the US, ten subjects were given either a placebo or DMV's C12 Peptide (casein hydrolysate). Results showed that 3.4grams daily of the milk-derived supplement will reduce blood pressure. Diastolic blood pressure was lowered by 6.5 mm Hg and systolic blood pressure by 4.5 mm Hg in stage 1 hypertensives.

"This study shows that C12 Peptide directly inhibits diastolic and systolic blood pressure. It is the first human study where such a low dose of a natural ace-inhibiting ingredient has demonstrated efficacy," said Dr David Clark, director of R&D/QA at DMV International. He added that further trials are scheduled for 2003.

C12 Peptide, launched last year, works directly with the body's natural blood pressure mechanism (ace inhibiting) and according to the company provides safe support for healthy blood pressure.

DMV International, a subsidiary of international dairy co-operation Campina, offers a variety of bioactive proteins and peptides with benefits to the immune system and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The ingredients are designed for use in the food, clinical, sports, infant and nutrition industries. Campina, one of Europe's largest dairy companies, recently completed the purchase of Avebe's activities in pharmaceutical excipients - part of Glucona. The activities link well with those of DMV International.