Probiotic May Help Support Healthy LDL and Total Cholesterol Levels

The connection between changes in gut health and how it may impact other parts of the body is a growing area of research focus. According to a new study, supplementation with 3 probiotic strains may help improve LDL and total cholesterol levels.

91 participants with high LDL cholesterol levels participated in the study. They were given 1.2 billion CFUs of the probiotic strains L. plantarum CECT7527, CECT7528 and CECT7529 or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were measured at baseline and at the end of the study period.

Participants in the probiotic group saw a 13.9 mg/dl decrease in LDL cholesterol levels, compared to a 2.7 mg/dl decrease in the placebo group. They also saw a 7.7 mg/dl decrease in total cholesterol levels, compared to a 1.2 mg/dl decrease in the placebo group. Participants with the highest LDL cholesterol levels at baseline saw the most improvement. No significant effect was seen on HDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

The study was conducted by researchers from Leibniz University. It was published online ahead of print on November 30, 2021 in the journal Clinical Nutrition ESPEN.