Prebiotics Improve Blood Pressure Control by Modulating Gut Microbiome Composition and Function: A Systematic Review...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Dietary fibers (DFs) are linked to reduced blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular mortality.
• Mechanisms for DFs' antihypertensive effects are not fully understood.
• Gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production are potential mediators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze how DFs influence BP regulation.
• To evaluate the role of gut microbial composition and SCFA production in BP modulation.
• To assess the efficacy of prebiotics in managing hypertension.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE (Jan 2014-Dec 2024).
• Inclusion of interventional studies on DFs/prebiotics, BP, and gut microbiota/SCFA changes.
• Random-effects meta-analysis of human trials and analysis of animal studies.

Main Results:

• Prebiotic intervention significantly reduced SBP (-8.5 mmHg) and DBP (-5.2 mmHg) in hypertensive cohorts.
• Animal studies showed consistent BP-lowering effects.
• Prebiotics increased SCFA-producing bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacteria) and SCFA levels, modulating immune, vascular, and neurohormonal pathways.

Conclusions:

• Prebiotic supplementation shows promise for BP homeostasis in hypertensive patients.
• Benefits are likely mediated by gut microbiota modulation and enhanced SCFA production.
• Targeting the gut microbiota is a viable strategy for cardiovascular health.