plantarum CUL66, decreased expression was associated with decreased extracellular cholesterol uptake together with increased expression of apical cholesterol efflux proteins ABCG-5 and ABCG-8 29 , but was not associated with any changes in cholesterol export into the apical compartment Lab4 and L.

plantarum CUL66 have been shown to reduce the expression of the cholesterol efflux transporter ABCA-1 which may be linked to the observed reductions of ApoAI-mediated basolateral cholesterol efflux Fig.

Interestingly, transcript levels of the de novo cholesterol synthesis enzyme HMGCR were increased and this change could represent a compensatory mechanism used to maintain cellular cholesterol levels 29 , 52 , 53 , The changes in gene expression that had been observed in cultured human Caco-2 enterocytes in vitro may represent a species-specific effect as similar changes were not detected in the duodenal or colonic tissue analysed on completion of the murine feeding study Table 3.

Assimilation of cholesterol is thought to be another mechanism by which probiotic bacteria can influence plasma cholesterol levels 55 although the impact of cholesterol assimilation by Lab4 Fig.

plantarum 29 seen in vitro could not be assessed in vivo due a limited availability of faecal sample. Likewise, it was not possible to assess the impact of other potential probiotic cholesterol-lowering mechanisms such as the conversion of cholesterol to coprostanol, short chain fatty acid production 55 and the assimilation of bile acids 56 , In summary, this preliminary 2 week study in mice on a high fat diet demonstrated the cholesterol-lowering capability of a combination of Lab4 and L.

plantarum CUL66 probiotic bacteria. The probiotic group presented lower plasma TC levels and reduced weight gain together with changes in faecal bile acid content which implicates the deconjugation of bile salts as a potential mechanism of action.

These findings provide a meaningful basis for the design of follow-up studies to assess cholesterol lowering efficacy of these probiotic bacteria in humans. Lab4 was assessed for its ability to deconjugate bile salts, assimilate cholesterol and regulate Caco-2 cell cholesterol transport as previously described plantarum CUL At the end of the feeding period, all mice were terminally exsanguinated under anaesthesia by cardiac puncture and death confirmed by cervical dislocation.

All studies and protocols were approved by the Cardiff University institutional ethics review committee and the United Kingdom Home Office and experiments were performed in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals NIH Publication No. Liver and intestinal tissue was snap frozen in liquid nitrogen.

TC, HDL and TG concentrations were measured at the Clinical Biochemistry Service, Cardiff University, on an Aeroset automated analyzer Abbott Diagnostics, Berkshire, UK. Plasma cytokine concentrations were measured by the Central Biotechnology Service Cardiff University, UK using the VPLEX pro-inflammatory panel 1 mouse kit Meso Scale Discovery, Maryland, USA.

Plasma samples were prepared for analysis using a previously described method The dried pellets were weighed and then homogenised in a mixture of water, acetonitrile and 2-propanol vol.

using a Biospec bead beater with 1. Equal parts of the plasma and faecal filtrates were used for the preparation of quality control QC samples that are required to monitor the stability of the assay. QC samples were also spiked with mixtures of bile acid standards 55 bile acid standards including 36 non-conjugated, 12 conjugated with taurine, 7 conjugated with glycine Steraloids, Newport, RI to determine the chromatographic retention times of bile acids.

The filtrate was transferred in LCMS vials and used for the subsequent analysis. Plasma and faecal bile acid analysis was performed by ACQUITY UPLC Waters Ltd, Elstree, UK coupled to a Xevo G2 Q-ToF mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization source operating in negative ion mode ESI- , using the method described by Sarafian et al.

Waters raw data files were converted to NetCDF format and data were extracted via XCMS v1. MassLynx software 4.

Relative faecal bile acid intensities were corrected to the faecal pellet dry weight. PCA was carried out on the integrated mass spectrometric data using pareto scaling and logarithmic transformation using SIMCA v The heatmaps were generated in R using package NMF using the scale command for the columns to create Z-scores.

Where necessary, normality was achieved using logarithmic transformation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software package version 22 IBM, New York, USA.

Bhatnagar, P. The epidemiology of cardiovascular disease in the UK Heart , —, doi: Article CAS PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar.

World Health Organisation, Fact Sheet McLaren, J. Cytokines, macrophage lipid metabolism and foam cells: Implications for cardiovascular disease therapy. Taylor, F. et al. Statins for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 1 , CD, doi: pub5 Google Scholar.

Buckley, M. The influence of dysfunctional signaling and lipid homeostasis in mediating the inflammatory responses during atherosclerosis. Biochim Biophys Acta , —, doi: Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar. Michael, D. Macrophages, lipid metabolism and gene expression in atherogenesis: a therapeutic target of the future?

Clinical Lipidology 7 , 37—48, doi: Article CAS Google Scholar. Moss, J. Nutraceutical therapies for atherosclerosis. Nat Rev Cardiol 13 , —, doi: Banach, M.

Statin intolerance - an attempt at a unified definition. Position paper from an International Lipid Expert Panel.

Arch Med Sci 11 , 1—23, doi: Lichtenstein, A. Summary of American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations revision Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 26 , —, doi: Christie, C. Proposed Dietary Guidelines and Implications for Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes. J Cardiovasc Nurs 30 , —, doi: Article PubMed Google Scholar.

Ramsay, L. Dietary reduction of serum cholesterol concentration: time to think again. BMJ , — Berger, S. Dietary cholesterol and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr , —, doi: Hill, C. Expert consensus document. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic.

Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 11 , —, doi: DiRienzo, D. Effect of probiotics on biomarkers of cardiovascular disease: implications for heart-healthy diets.

N utr Rev 72 , 18—29, doi: Sun, J. Effects of probiotics consumption on lowering lipids and CVD risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. A nn Med 47 , —, doi: Guo, Z. Influence of consumption of probiotics on the plasma lipid profile: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 21 , —, doi: Fuentes, M. Cholesterol-lowering efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum CECT , and in hypercholesterolaemic adults. Br J Nutr , —, doi: Madjd, A. Comparison of the effect of daily consumption of probiotic compared with low-fat conventional yogurt on weight loss in healthy obese women following an energy-restricted diet: a randomized controlled trial.

Rajkumar, H. Effect of Probiotic Lactobacillus salivarius UBL S22 and Prebiotic Fructo-oligosaccharide on Serum Lipids, Inflammatory Markers, Insulin Sensitivity, and Gut Bacteria in Healthy Young Volunteers: A Randomized Controlled Single-Blind Pilot Study.

J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther 20 , —, doi: Shimizu, M. Meta-Analysis: Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Lipid Profiles in Normal to Mildly Hypercholesterolemic Individuals.

PLoS One 10 , e, doi: Pereira, D. Cholesterol assimilation by lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria isolated from the human gut. Appl Environ Microbiol 68 , — Kumar, M. Cholesterol-lowering probiotics as potential biotherapeutics for metabolic diseases. Exp Diabetes Res , , doi: Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar.

Begley, M. Bile salt hydrolase activity in probiotics. Appl Environ Microbiol 72 , —, doi: Yoon, H. Reduction in cholesterol absorption in Caco-2 cells through the down-regulation of Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 by the putative probiotic strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus BFE and Lactobacillus plantarum NR74 from fermented foods.

Int J Food Sci Nutr 64 , 44—52, doi: Gorenjak, M. New Microbiol 37 , 51—64 PubMed Google Scholar. Huang, Y. The probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus reduces cholesterol absorption through the down-regulation of Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 in Caco-2 cells.

Characterization of Lactobacillus plantarum Lp27 isolated from Tibetan kefir grains: a potential probiotic bacterium with cholesterol-lowering effects. J Dairy Sci 96 , —, doi: Lactobacillus plantarum CUL66 can impact cholesterol homeostasis in Caco-2 enterocytes.

B enef Microbes 1—10, doi: Williams, E. Clinical trial: a multistrain probiotic preparation significantly reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a double-blind placebo-controlled study.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 29 , 97—, doi: x Garaiova, I. P robiotics and vitamin C for the prevention of respiratory tract infections in children attending preschool: a randomised controlled pilot study. Eur J Clin Nutr 69 , —, doi: Allen, S.

L actobacilli and bifidobacteria in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and Clostridium difficile diarrhoea in older inpatients PLACIDE : a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial.

Lancet , —, doi: P robiotics in the prevention of eczema: a randomised controlled trial. Arch Dis Child 99 , —, doi: Cano, P. Bifidobacterium CECT improves metabolic and immunological alterations associated with obesity in high-fat diet-fed mice.

Obesity Silver Spring 21 , —, doi: Damodharan, K. Preliminary probiotic and technological characterization of Pediococcus pentosaceus strain KID7 and in vivo assessment of its cholesterol-lowering activity.

Front Microbiol 6 , , doi: Kondo, S. Antiobesity effects of Bifidobacterium breve strain B-3 supplementation in a mouse model with high-fat diet-induced obesity. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 74 , —, doi: Song, M. Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus NS1 on plasma cholesterol levels in diet-induced obese mice.

J Dairy Sci 98 , —, doi: Wu, C. Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum Strain K21 on High-Fat Diet-Fed Obese Mice. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med , , doi: PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar. Park, D. Supplementation of Lactobacillus curvatus HY and Lactobacillus plantarum KY in diet-induced obese mice is associated with gut microbial changes and reduction in obesity.

PLoS One 8 , e, doi: Article ADS CAS PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar. Yoo, S. Probiotics L. plantarum and L.

curvatus in combination alter hepatic lipid metabolism and suppress diet-induced obesity. Tanaka, H. Screening of lactic acid bacteria for bile salt hydrolase activity. J Dairy Sci 82 , —, doi: S 99 Tomaro-Duchesneau, C. Cholesterol assimilation by Lactobacillus probiotic bacteria: an in vitro investigation.

Biomed Res Int , , doi: Shehata, M. Screening of isolated potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria for cholesterol lowering property and bile salt hydrolase activity.

Annals of Agricultural Sciences 61 , 65—75, doi: Article Google Scholar. Pavlovic, N. Probiotics—interactions with bile acids and impact on cholesterol metabolism.

Appl Biochem Biotechnol , —, doi: Degirolamo, C. Microbiota modification with probiotics induces hepatic bile acid synthesis via downregulation of the Fxr-Fgf15 axis in mice. Cell Rep 7 , 12—18, doi: Goodwin, B. A regulatory cascade of the nuclear receptors FXR, SHP-1, and LRH-1 represses bile acid biosynthesis.

Mol Cell 6 , — Chen, Q. Lipids Health Dis 11 , 56, doi: Chen, M. Resveratrol Attenuates Trimethylamine-N-Oxide TMAO -Induced Atherosclerosis by Regulating TMAO Synthesis and Bile Acid Metabolism via Remodeling of the Gut Microbiota.

MBio 7 , e—, doi: CAS PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar. Jeun, J. Nutrition 26 , —, doi: Stroeve, J. Intestinal FXR-mediated FGF15 production contributes to diurnal control of hepatic bile acid synthesis in mice. Lab Invest 90 , —, doi: Inagaki, T.

Fibroblast growth factor 15 functions as an enterohepatic signal to regulate bile acid homeostasis. Cell Metab 2 , —, doi: Engelking, L. Blockade of cholesterol absorption by ezetimibe reveals a complex homeostatic network in enterocytes.

J Lipid Res 53 , —, doi: M Catry, E. Ezetimibe and simvastatin modulate gut microbiota and expression of genes related to cholesterol metabolism. Life Sci , 77—84, doi: Telford, D. The molecular mechanisms underlying the reduction of LDL apoB by ezetimibe plus simvastatin.

J Lipid Res 48 , —, doi: MJLR Ooi, L. Cholesterol-lowering effects of probiotics and prebiotics: a review of in vivo and in vitro findings. Int J Mol Sci 11 , —, doi: Kurdi, P.

Cholic acid accumulation and its diminution by short-chain fatty acids in bifidobacteria. Microbiology , —, doi: It may come as a surprise to some people that probiotics and cholesterol metabolism are in fact related. Although probiotics are not commonly associated with cholesterol management, various clinical studies 1 have indicated that supporting our gut health with specific probiotic strains may help cholesterol levels.

The bacteria living in our gut influence the absorption of cholesterol from our food and the production of cholesterol in the liver. Some probiotic bacteria take up cholesterol from their surrounding environment and others have a sticky surface which cholesterol attaches to, preventing it from being absorbed in the gut 2.

Other probiotic strains prevent cholesterol from being absorbed by converting it into another compound called coprostanol 3. Coprostanol cannot be absorbed in the intestines and is therefore eliminated in our stool.

Probiotic bacteria contain enzymes, which break down components of our food. Specific probiotic strains contain an enzyme called bile salt hydrolase which breaks down bile salts in the gut which are then excreted in our stools.

Cholesterol is required to make more bile, so circulating cholesterol in the body is used to replace the bile salts that are lost 4. Certain probiotic strains produce the short chain fatty acid, propionic acid 5 which under certain conditions can reduce the production of cholesterol by the liver 6.

Clinical research published earlier this year has found that probiotics can significantly improve health in those at risk of heart disease 7. An important connection exists between the gut microbiome, probiotics and heart health 8.

Our gut microbiome also plays a role in our cholesterol levels, weight, blood pressure levels, inflammation in the body, and oral health, each of which are important factors in heart health. Probiotics have been used in research and found to positively influence a number of factors associated with poor heart health.

As discussed previously, the bacteria in our gut influences our cholesterol levels, a known risk factor for heart disease. High cholesterol is a significant risk factor for heart attack and stroke.

Raised cholesterol levels can lead to narrowing of our arteries, known as atherosclerosis. In atherosclerosis, cholesterol and other substances stick to the wall of the blood vessel forming a plaque which builds up over time, eventually blocking the artery. These blockages in our blood vessels can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Obesity, particularly visceral fat the fat accumulated in the abdomen around our major organs , is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease 9.

The gut microbiome can affect our energy metabolism and weight 10 , 11 and is discussed further below. High blood pressure is one of the most prominent risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease Clinical studies evaluating the effects of probiotics on blood pressure levels have had encouraging results 7.

Inflammation of the blood vessel wall is a fundamental component of atherosclerosis and drives its progression A typical Western diet, high in processed foods and lacking in fresh whole fruit and vegetables, can lower diversity of the gut microbiome and encourage the growth of bacteria associated with inflammation This gut microbiome imbalance, known as dysbiosis, can contribute to inflammation in the body.

Taking probiotics can help to bring the gut microbiome back into balance and replenish our levels of beneficial gut bacteria. Particular probiotic strains have been shown to help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory chemical messengers in the body 15 , including associations with better CRP levels This shows that probiotics may have a positive impact on inflammatory processes in the body.

Interestingly, poor dental hygiene and gum disease are associated with heart disease The mouth has the highest levels of bacteria in the body, after the gut Poor dental health allows harmful bacteria to flourish and contributes to the development of gum inflammation and cavities These same oral bacteria have been found in plaques in the arteries of individuals with heart disease Certain probiotic strains have been found to positively contribute to the maintenance of healthy gums and teeth by reducing the growth of more harmful bacteria Keeping our oral microbiome healthy may play a role in our heart health.

To learn more, read the article Probiotics for bad breath. The types of bacteria residing in our gut varies depending on our weight. Obese individuals have different gut microbiome compositions in comparison to lean individuals, and with weight loss, their gut bacteria becomes more like the gut bacteria of lean individuals

When we have high blood cholesterol levels, it can cause a backup of inner tubes in the river channel. In time, these abandoned lipoproteins oxidize, causing them to harden. Like pesky beavers building a dam, oxidized LDL cholesterol creates plaques that block blood flow through the system.

Eventually, elevated cholesterol levels can develop into atherosclerosis, a precursor to heart disease. Unfortunately, LDL cholesterol makes up the majority of cholesterol in the average person's body [3]. According to the American Heart Association, That's because the Standard American Diet is centered around foods that elevate LDL cholesterol levels.

Many vegetable oils, processed foods, or foods made from animal fats contain high levels of saturated fats. These fats are harder for your body to break down. They also contain excessive LDL cholesterol. Keep in mind; some saturated fats could be heart-healthy. For instance, coconuts, lean cuts of red meat, and some cheese may lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol.

When in doubt, opt for leaner antibiotic-free proteins and as many whole foods as possible. In addition, these foods are also high in omega-6 fatty acids. Too many omega-6 fatty acids can cause chronic inflammation that can lead to heart attacks or strokes [5].

Lastly, trans fats also play a role in the development of high cholesterol. These food additives are highly addictive to consumers and provide little to no health benefits. Trans fats are typically found in baked goods, potato chips, and other snacks.

So, there's another reason to lay low on the sweets! Thankfully, banning trans fats has gained a lot of momentum around the world. Many products are omitting them from their recipes.

Life is about balance. To counteract high LDL cholesterol, you need to consume foods that boost HDL cholesterol levels. Eating more omega-3 fatty acids is a great way to help tip your scales back to the side of heart health. For one, omega-3s help counteract the damage caused by too many omega-6s.

They are also rich in HDL cholesterol which helps offset excess LDL cholesterol. Legumes and whole grains offer duel benefits.

Plus, fiber serves as food for beneficial bacteria that even out cholesterol levels. That's why Ombre recommends starting every day with well-tolerated dietary fibers, such as our Rise Prebiotic Powder.

Instead, Ombre Rise diversifies the gut microbiome to help prevent inflammation that could promote heart disease while nourishing the beneficial bacteria that contribute to heart health. Our gut microbiome is teeming with thousands of bacteria. Every species performs a key role in our overall health and functioning.

These specific functions become even more precise down to the strains within species. That's what makes clinically supported strain-specific probiotics so beneficial for cardiovascular health.

A human study involving 60 volunteers analyzed the cholesterol levels of two groups. One group took a blend of three strains of Lactobacillus plantarum. The other group took a placebo. The results suggest that the effect of the strain was proportional to the level of cardiovascular risk.

Therefore, the strain had a stronger effect on those with higher cholesterol levels. Experts believe these benefits are because select Lactobacillus plantarum strains perform health benefits that reduce LDL cholesterol production. For one, Lactobacillus plantarum strains eat dietary fibers, like those found in Ombre Rise.

Their waste is our treasure. Lactobacillus plantarum produces short-chain fatty acids. These are little jolts of energy that help our cells work more efficiently.

It also increases our cell metabolism. Dietary changes and exercise are the initial line of therapy for most individuals with elevated cholesterol. However, probiotics have gained much interest as an additional nonpharmaceutical avenue to combat this common issue.

Certain strains of probiotic bacteria have shown the ability to deconjugate bile acids which reduces circulating cholesterol due to the formation of new bile acids.

Additionally, these bacteria can produce short-chain fatty acids which have been shown to lower the production of cholesterol. Specifically, the SCFA butyrate has been suggested to interact with the genes that create cholesterol.

This targeted combination results in a decrease in circulating levels of blood lipids and inflammation markers which positively affects cardiovascular health. Optimize your gut bacteria and cholesterol levels will begin to balance.

Address inflammation caused by high-fat diets. Reduce the build-up of plaques that can raise blood pressure or promote heart disease. Support metabolic health for overall cardiovascular wellness. Help achieve these health goals with Ombre Heart Health. This probiotic contains strains scientifically proven to reduce cholesterol levels and support a healthy heart.

Yup, even various strains of Lactobacillus plantarum! Give your heart the cholesterol-metabolizing support it deserves.

It is common for individuals to also need cholesterol-lowering medication such as statins. Although effective at lowering cholesterol, statin side effects can be bothersome. This means that natural methods and supplements to manage cholesterol levels are often sought by individuals to use alone or alongside statins, and there has been a lot of interest recently into whether probiotics are good for lowering cholesterol.

In addition to other supplements associated with cholesterol management, natural practitioners and health stores are being increasingly asked if there are probiotics for high cholesterol. It may come as a surprise to some people that probiotics and cholesterol metabolism are in fact related.

Although probiotics are not commonly associated with cholesterol management, various clinical studies 1 have indicated that supporting our gut health with specific probiotic strains may help cholesterol levels.

The bacteria living in our gut influence the absorption of cholesterol from our food and the production of cholesterol in the liver. Some probiotic bacteria take up cholesterol from their surrounding environment and others have a sticky surface which cholesterol attaches to, preventing it from being absorbed in the gut 2.

Other probiotic strains prevent cholesterol from being absorbed by converting it into another compound called coprostanol 3. Coprostanol cannot be absorbed in the intestines and is therefore eliminated in our stool.

Probiotic bacteria contain enzymes, which break down components of our food. Specific probiotic strains contain an enzyme called bile salt hydrolase which breaks down bile salts in the gut which are then excreted in our stools.

Cholesterol is required to make more bile, so circulating cholesterol in the body is used to replace the bile salts that are lost 4. Certain probiotic strains produce the short chain fatty acid, propionic acid 5 which under certain conditions can reduce the production of cholesterol by the liver 6.

Clinical research published earlier this year has found that probiotics can significantly improve health in those at risk of heart disease 7. An important connection exists between the gut microbiome, probiotics and heart health 8.

Our gut microbiome also plays a role in our cholesterol levels, weight, blood pressure levels, inflammation in the body, and oral health, each of which are important factors in heart health. Probiotics have been used in research and found to positively influence a number of factors associated with poor heart health.

As discussed previously, the bacteria in our gut influences our cholesterol levels, a known risk factor for heart disease. High cholesterol is a significant risk factor for heart attack and stroke.

Raised cholesterol levels can lead to narrowing of our arteries, known as atherosclerosis. In atherosclerosis, cholesterol and other substances stick to the wall of the blood vessel forming a plaque which builds up over time, eventually blocking the artery.

These blockages in our blood vessels can lead to heart attack and stroke. Obesity, particularly visceral fat the fat accumulated in the abdomen around our major organs , is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease 9.

The gut microbiome can affect our energy metabolism and weight 10 , 11 and is discussed further below. High blood pressure is one of the most prominent risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease Clinical studies evaluating the effects of probiotics on blood pressure levels have had encouraging results 7.

Inflammation of the blood vessel wall is a fundamental component of atherosclerosis and drives its progression A typical Western diet, high in processed foods and lacking in fresh whole fruit and vegetables, can lower diversity of the gut microbiome and encourage the growth of bacteria associated with inflammation This gut microbiome imbalance, known as dysbiosis, can contribute to inflammation in the body.

Taking probiotics can help to bring the gut microbiome back into balance and replenish our levels of beneficial gut bacteria. Particular probiotic strains have been shown to help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory chemical messengers in the body 15 , including associations with better CRP levels This shows that probiotics may have a positive impact on inflammatory processes in the body.

Interestingly, poor dental hygiene and gum disease are associated with heart disease The mouth has the highest levels of bacteria in the body, after the gut Poor dental health allows harmful bacteria to flourish and contributes to the development of gum inflammation and cavities These same oral bacteria have been found in plaques in the arteries of individuals with heart disease Certain probiotic strains have been found to positively contribute to the maintenance of healthy gums and teeth by reducing the growth of more harmful bacteria

et al. Statins for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 1 , CD, doi: pub5 Google Scholar. Buckley, M. The influence of dysfunctional signaling and lipid homeostasis in mediating the inflammatory responses during atherosclerosis.

Biochim Biophys Acta , —, doi: Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar. Michael, D. Macrophages, lipid metabolism and gene expression in atherogenesis: a therapeutic target of the future? Clinical Lipidology 7 , 37—48, doi: Article CAS Google Scholar. Moss, J.

Nutraceutical therapies for atherosclerosis. Nat Rev Cardiol 13 , —, doi: Banach, M. Statin intolerance - an attempt at a unified definition. Position paper from an International Lipid Expert Panel.

Arch Med Sci 11 , 1—23, doi: Lichtenstein, A. Summary of American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations revision Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 26 , —, doi: Christie, C.

Proposed Dietary Guidelines and Implications for Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes. J Cardiovasc Nurs 30 , —, doi: Article PubMed Google Scholar.

Ramsay, L. Dietary reduction of serum cholesterol concentration: time to think again. BMJ , — Berger, S. Dietary cholesterol and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr , —, doi: Hill, C.

Expert consensus document. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic.

Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 11 , —, doi: DiRienzo, D. Effect of probiotics on biomarkers of cardiovascular disease: implications for heart-healthy diets. N utr Rev 72 , 18—29, doi: Sun, J. Effects of probiotics consumption on lowering lipids and CVD risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

A nn Med 47 , —, doi: Guo, Z. Influence of consumption of probiotics on the plasma lipid profile: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 21 , —, doi: Fuentes, M. Cholesterol-lowering efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum CECT , and in hypercholesterolaemic adults.

Br J Nutr , —, doi: Madjd, A. Comparison of the effect of daily consumption of probiotic compared with low-fat conventional yogurt on weight loss in healthy obese women following an energy-restricted diet: a randomized controlled trial.

Rajkumar, H. Effect of Probiotic Lactobacillus salivarius UBL S22 and Prebiotic Fructo-oligosaccharide on Serum Lipids, Inflammatory Markers, Insulin Sensitivity, and Gut Bacteria in Healthy Young Volunteers: A Randomized Controlled Single-Blind Pilot Study.

J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther 20 , —, doi: Shimizu, M. Meta-Analysis: Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Lipid Profiles in Normal to Mildly Hypercholesterolemic Individuals. PLoS One 10 , e, doi: Pereira, D. Cholesterol assimilation by lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria isolated from the human gut.

Appl Environ Microbiol 68 , — Kumar, M. Cholesterol-lowering probiotics as potential biotherapeutics for metabolic diseases.

Exp Diabetes Res , , doi: Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar. Begley, M. Bile salt hydrolase activity in probiotics. Appl Environ Microbiol 72 , —, doi: Yoon, H. Reduction in cholesterol absorption in Caco-2 cells through the down-regulation of Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 by the putative probiotic strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus BFE and Lactobacillus plantarum NR74 from fermented foods.

Int J Food Sci Nutr 64 , 44—52, doi: Gorenjak, M. New Microbiol 37 , 51—64 PubMed Google Scholar. Huang, Y. The probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus reduces cholesterol absorption through the down-regulation of Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 in Caco-2 cells.

Characterization of Lactobacillus plantarum Lp27 isolated from Tibetan kefir grains: a potential probiotic bacterium with cholesterol-lowering effects.

J Dairy Sci 96 , —, doi: Lactobacillus plantarum CUL66 can impact cholesterol homeostasis in Caco-2 enterocytes. B enef Microbes 1—10, doi: Williams, E.

Clinical trial: a multistrain probiotic preparation significantly reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 29 , 97—, doi: x Garaiova, I.

P robiotics and vitamin C for the prevention of respiratory tract infections in children attending preschool: a randomised controlled pilot study. Eur J Clin Nutr 69 , —, doi: Allen, S. L actobacilli and bifidobacteria in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and Clostridium difficile diarrhoea in older inpatients PLACIDE : a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial.

Lancet , —, doi: P robiotics in the prevention of eczema: a randomised controlled trial. Arch Dis Child 99 , —, doi: Cano, P. Bifidobacterium CECT improves metabolic and immunological alterations associated with obesity in high-fat diet-fed mice. Obesity Silver Spring 21 , —, doi: Damodharan, K.

Preliminary probiotic and technological characterization of Pediococcus pentosaceus strain KID7 and in vivo assessment of its cholesterol-lowering activity. Front Microbiol 6 , , doi: Kondo, S. Antiobesity effects of Bifidobacterium breve strain B-3 supplementation in a mouse model with high-fat diet-induced obesity.

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 74 , —, doi: Song, M. Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus NS1 on plasma cholesterol levels in diet-induced obese mice.

J Dairy Sci 98 , —, doi: Wu, C. Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum Strain K21 on High-Fat Diet-Fed Obese Mice. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med , , doi: PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar.

Park, D. Supplementation of Lactobacillus curvatus HY and Lactobacillus plantarum KY in diet-induced obese mice is associated with gut microbial changes and reduction in obesity.

PLoS One 8 , e, doi: Article ADS CAS PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar. Yoo, S. Probiotics L. plantarum and L. curvatus in combination alter hepatic lipid metabolism and suppress diet-induced obesity. Tanaka, H. Screening of lactic acid bacteria for bile salt hydrolase activity. J Dairy Sci 82 , —, doi: S 99 Tomaro-Duchesneau, C.

Cholesterol assimilation by Lactobacillus probiotic bacteria: an in vitro investigation. Biomed Res Int , , doi: Shehata, M. Screening of isolated potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria for cholesterol lowering property and bile salt hydrolase activity.

Annals of Agricultural Sciences 61 , 65—75, doi: Article Google Scholar. Pavlovic, N. Probiotics—interactions with bile acids and impact on cholesterol metabolism.

Appl Biochem Biotechnol , —, doi: Degirolamo, C. Microbiota modification with probiotics induces hepatic bile acid synthesis via downregulation of the Fxr-Fgf15 axis in mice. Cell Rep 7 , 12—18, doi: Goodwin, B. A regulatory cascade of the nuclear receptors FXR, SHP-1, and LRH-1 represses bile acid biosynthesis.

Mol Cell 6 , — Chen, Q. Lipids Health Dis 11 , 56, doi: Chen, M. Patent-pending ABB C1® redefines immune support by addressing innate, acquired, and Trained Immunity.

In 'ABB C1®: Training Now for Future Immune Show more. CONTINUE TO SITE Or wait Research background The clinical effect of the specific combination of L. Unlock Digestive Wellness with ES1 Postbiotic Content provided by ADM Feb Application Note Are you ready to discover the next big thing in digestive health?

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To learn more on this topic, healthcare professionals may like to read Could probiotics help with weight loss? on the Probiotic Professionals site.

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels positively influences our heart health. Certain strains of the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus have been recognised for their impact on cholesterol levels in the body. The above strains were identified out of hundreds of screened strains to have excellent cholesterol removal ability and BSH activity in vitro 5.

In a gold standard trial including 60 individuals with raised cholesterol, the effects of the probiotic combination L. plantarum CECT , L. plantarum CECT and L. plantarum CECT on cholesterol levels were assessed After three-months there were significant reductions in:.

Interestingly, those with higher starting values resulted in greater reductions after probiotic supplementation. A more recent gold standard trial found the strains to be effective alongside red yeast rice RYR extract The strains have also demonstrated an excellent safety profile with no tolerability issues documented in the studies above.

Another trial assessed the strains alongside a variety of medications including statins, fenofibrates, antihypertensive, antidiabetic and antiplatelets They were shown to be safe and effective with no tolerability issues related to probiotic intake. In another clinical trial, the probiotic strain, Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB , was also shown to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels in individuals with raised cholesterol levels Other probiotics have been demonstrated influence other risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as weight and inflammation.

Certain probiotic strains including Lactobacillus rhamnosus CGMCC1. In a gold standard trial, the effects of the probiotics strain B. lactis HN was compared with a placebo in individuals with metabolic syndrome. The probiotic group demonstrated positive results in body mass index BMI , total cholesterol levels and inflammation levels Healthcare professionals can read more about Bifidobacterium lactis HN on the Probiotics Database.

If you are interested in taking a probiotic to reduce your cholesterol but are taking medication or have additional health issues, we would always advise discussing supplementation with your GP or health practitioner.

It is important not to stop any prescribed medication before talking to your doctor first. Gut health — all you need to know Probiotics for men Gut bacteria shapes weight loss.