06/05/09 New research has revealed that dairy products such as low-fat milk may help to reduce risk of high blood pressure in older age.

It is estimated that one in three adults in the UK suffers from hypertension, yet only a third of individuals are aware of their condition.

High blood pressure is one of the most significant risk factors for stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney disease. The lack of immediately identifiable symptoms has led it to be known as 'the silent killer'.

The research published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition measured blood pressure in 2245 participants over the age of 55, across a six year period. Individuals were split into five categories depending on the type of dairy intake in their diet: "milk and milk products", "cheese", "low fat dairy", "high fat dairy" and fermented milk group.

The study showed people eating more low-fat dairy (561grams) and milk products daily (651grams) had a lower risk of hypertension than those consuming less low-fat dairy (21 grams) and milk products (127grams) and adding one extra serving of dairy a day lowered hypertension risk by 7%. Interestingly this study also found eating cheese and higher fat dairy products did not increase hypertension risk.

Dr Judith Bryans, Director of the Dairy Council says: "Dairy provides minerals such as calcium and potassium which are important for blood pressure regulation. This study is an extra building block to an increasing body of evidence which suggests that dairy proteins and minerals play an important role in maintaining a healthy blood pressure.

"Significantly, the study also shows that dairy products with higher fat contents, like hard cheese, are not associated with increased levels of blood pressure. Therefore, these foods may be part of a healthy balanced-diet; one which is rich in fruit and vegetables and a variety of foods."