Probiotic May Help Improve Endothelial Function

In endothelial dysfunction, the important inner lining of blood vessels fails to function normally, contributing to several cardiovascular disorders. A new study has found that supplementation with the probiotic Bacillus subtilis DE111 may help improve endothelial function and blood lipids.

Forty-three adults participated in the study. They were given 1 billion CFU of Bacillus subtilisDE111 or a placebo daily for 4 weeks. The researchers measured endothelial function, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol at baseline and at the end of the study period.

Participants in the probiotic group saw improvements in endothelial function compared to the placebo group. Specifically, reactive hyperemia index (an indicator of blood flow and heart health) increased by 9.14%. They also saw a significant reduction in total cholesterol and a strong trend toward reduction in LDL cholesterol.

The study was conducted by researchers from Colorado State University. It was published online ahead of print on November 8, 2020 in the journal Beneficial Microbes.