The Effects of Bifidobacterium-based Probiotics in Reducing Blood Pressure in Middle-aged Chinese With Hypertension: a Single-term Feasibility Pilot Study

"The 10-week research period consists of one prescreening and baseline visit (week -1) and two follow-up visits (week 5 (±7days) and week 10 (±7days)). The participants will be instructed to fast overnight before their visits in the mornings of week -1 and week 10.~The measurements will include documentation of personal and demographic information; three consecutive clinic BP readings; 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring; a 3-day diet diary to monitor consistency of dietary intake; collection of fecal samples and blood samples for analysis of GM composition and biomarkers, respectively at baseline, and week 5 and 10.~Only participants who are able to provide all the required data and samples within 7 days after the prescreening and baseline visit (week -1) will be eligible to receive the Bifidobacterium supplementation with 20 billion cfu once a day for 10 weeks. They will be instructed to mix the probiotics with water and consume with their dinner."