In a groundbreaking study, Monash University researchers identified a substance in the gut called short-chain fatty acids, which can lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart attack, hypertension, and stroke.

“It can benefit everyone who has high blood pressure – that is one in three adult Australians,” lead researcher Professor Francine Marque said.

Now, they will trial whether the substance can be given orally as a shake. 

Christine Rees, who was diagnosed with heart failure twenty years ago and has lost several family members to heart disease, expresses hopefulness regarding the research.

“It’s such a normal way of getting blood pressure low rather than an antihypertensive tablet,” she said.

“This would be a showstopper.”

Cardiovascular disease is the second biggest killer in Australia, responsible for 45,000 deaths a year. 

“That could be really life changing because hypertension is the leading risk factor,” researcher Dr Leticia Camargo said.

The shake is currently under product development at Monash University and if the trial is successful, it will be on pharmacy shelves within five years.