Probiotic May Help Maintain Healthy Lipid Levels Post-Meal

Postprandial hyperlipidemia refers to an increase in lipid levels such as triglycerides and cholesterol after eating a meal. It is considered a risk factor for myocardial infarction, stroke, and atherosclerosis. A recent study suggests that supplementation with the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum Q180 (LPQ180) may help maintain healthy lipid levels after eating.

Sixty-six participants completed the study. They were over the age of 20 and had slightly higher fasting triglyceride levels (below 200 mg/dL) at the beginning of the study. Half of them took two 400mg capsules of LPQ180 daily for 12 weeks. The other half took a placebo.

Postprandial blood samples were taken at baseline, week 6, and week 12 and were used to measure post-meal triglyceride, cholesterol and apolipoprotein levels. Fecal samples were taken at weeks 0 and 12 and were used to evaluate the gut microflora diversity.

Participants in the LPQ180 group saw significant reductions in post-meal triglycerides and apolipoprotein levels. They also saw a significant reduction in LDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein levels. In addition, they had reduced amounts of the bacterium Egerthella sp, which is a marker for higher blood triglyceride levels.

The study was conducted by researchers from Seoul National University of Science and Technology. It was published online ahead of print on January 19, 2020 in the journal Nutrients.