Wholegrain intervention study and hypertension (WISH)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effect of increased wholegrain food consumption on blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and non-treated stage 1 hypertensive subjects (WISH)
IRAS ID
228146
Contact name
Frank Thies
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 7 months, 17 days
Research summary
We will assess whether the consumption of three servings of whole grain foods (WGF) per day can decrease blood pressure in subjects with high blood pressure. \nWe have previously shown that daily consumption of three portions of WGF can significantly decrease BP in healthy individuals, potentially reducing the risk of stroke or heart attack. These findings could be even more significant for people with elevated blood pressure but not under medication, such as people with recently diagnosed hypertension suitable for lifestyle interventions before drug therapy. \n72 men and women with borderline high or elevated BP who are not taking any medication for their condition will be recruited. After 2 weeks on a wholegrain-free diet (control diet), half of the participants will eat 3 portions of WGF daily for 6 weeks while the other half will continue on the control diet. All will then consume a control diet for 2 weeks before switching to the other arm of the intervention. The subject will be then followed up for a further 6 weeks after the end of intervention to see if any changes are maintained or removed when WGF are withdrawn from the diet. Blood collection and BP measurements will be performed several times during the study. Blood vessel hardening and blood flow from the heart will be measured, as well as chemicals in the blood which are involved in BP regulation. \n \n\n
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
17/NS/0062
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jun 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion