The aim of the present study was to examine the efficacy of a probiotic-based product on either reducing hypertension or preventing a high normal blood pressure from reaching hypertensive levels.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy individuals at the age of 40-75 years.
• Blood-pressure >140/90 mmHg that has been confirmed at 2-3 separate occasions or represents the mean value of a 24-hour measurement.
• Triglycerides >1,7 mmol/L and/or HDL <1 mmol/L (men)/1,29 mmol/L (women).
• Fasting plasma glucose levels >5,6 mmol/L and/or waist circumference >102 cm (men)/88 cm (women).
• BMI <40.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Medically treated allergy or allergy to any of the ingredients of the study product.
• Medication for high levels of blood lipids.
• Metabolic disease, such as type one diabetes.
• Confirmed diseases of the heart, liver of kidneys.
• Chronic inflammatory disease requiring medication.
• Pregnant or nursing.
• Regular intake of other probiotic products (5-7 days per week during the last three months before inclusion into the study).