Gut microbiota is linked to vascular dysfunction and increased blood pressure in aging overweight and obese individuals independent of BMI

In June 2019 researchers from the USA published the results of their study to assess the relationship between the gut microbiota, blood pressure, and vascular function in aging overweight and obese individuals. Fifteen overweight and obese (average BMI: 29.5) middle-aged/older men and postmenopausal women (age 42-64 years) were included in the study. Blood pressure, arterial stiffness and endothelial function were assessed. Stool samples were collected for gut microbiota. Results showed that the gut microbiota appeared to be linked to vascular dysfunction and increased blood pressure in aging overweight and obese individuals independent of BMI. For example, higher levels of Bifidobacterium longum and Akkermansia muciniphila were associated with better endothelial function and higher levels of Bifdobacterium bifidum and Oxalobacter formigenes were associated with reduced systolic blood pressure.

Johnson S et al. The Gut Microbiota Is Associated with Vascular Function and Blood Pressure Phenotypes in Overweight and Obese Middle-Aged/Older Adults (P21-024-19). Curr Dev Nutr. 2019 Jun 13;3(Suppl 1).

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