Double

Int Angiol. 2013 Feb;32(1):94-101.

Double-blind, randomized, crossover, controlled clinical trial of NaCl + Chitosan 3% versus NaCl on mild or moderate high blood pressure during the diet and lifestyle improvement period before possible prescription of an antihypertensive treatment.

Allaert FA.

Author information

• Health Claim Medical Evaluation ESC, Dijon, France. [e-mail]

Abstract

AIM:

The aim of the study was to examine the effect on blood pressure of replacing NaCl sea salt by NaCl + chitosan 3% (Symbiosal) during the diet and lifestyle improvement period prescribed to patients before any antihypertensive treatment.

METHODS:

This was a double-blind, randomized, crossover, controlled clinical trial of Symbiosal (NaCl + chitosan 3%) versus NaCl over two eight-week periods on 40 patients with mild hypertension for which they had never previously been treated.

RESULTS:

The effect of Symbiosal appeared as early as the first period of the crossover trial showing a reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) from 149.2 ± 4.9 mmHg to 136.1 ± 9.5 mmHg in patients on Symbiosal (reduction of 13.1 ± 10.8 mmHg) versus a reduction from 149.7 ± 4.6 mmHg to 142.9 ± 7.7 mmHg in patients on traditional NaCl (reduction of 6.8 ± 7.5 mmHg) (P=0.0404). Similar results were observed for diastolic blood pressure (DBP) with a reduction of 11.2 ± 7.4 mmHg versus 7 ± 8 mmHg (P=0.0560). HBP was brought under control (SBP ≤ 140 and DBP ≤ 90) in 76.2% (16/21) versus 36.8% (7/19)% of patients, respectively (P=0.0119). The crossover analysis confirmed the results showing Symbosial effects for both SBP (P=0.0156) and DBP (P=0.0285).

CONCLUSION:

Replacing traditional NaCl by Symbiosal in conjunction with recommended alterations to lifestyle and diet significantly contributes to better control of hypertension and may postpone the prescription of antihypertensive drugs.