Probiotic study shows statistically significant reductions in 'bad' cholesterol
- Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Lactobacillus plantarum LPLDL is a probiotic strain that has been proven to reduce key cardiovascular risk biomarkers as showcased in a study carried out by the University of Roehampton.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled human study published by the Journal of Functional Foods (2022) and carried out by the University of Roehampton (UK), LPLDL showcased statistically significant reductions in multiple cardiovascular risk biomarkers, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol and apoB.
Participants with high levels of cholesterol were recruited and monitored. They were asked to continue their normal diets, with the test group taking the probiotic LPLDL daily.
The study team saw a large separation between placebo group and test group. After three weeks, study participants in the test group had a significant reduction in their blood lipids biomarker. After six weeks, they saw a further reduction in total cholesterol levels. Total cholesterol reduced by 34.6%, the ‘bad’ low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by 28.4%, non-HDL cholesterol by 17.6% and apolipoprotein B by 28.6%, all key cardiovascular disease risk biomarkers. Additionally, no adverse effects were noted throughout the study.
Cardiovascular disease remains the world’s number one killer, with most people at risk prescribed statins and aspirin. This research is therefore a significant step forward for a probiotic that can truly make a difference.
Dr Adele Costabile, lead researcher on the study and Reader of Nutrition in our School of Health and Life Sciences added “it is a very promising study in the fight against cardiovascular disease with the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum LPLDL.”
This research is part of an ongoing research project funded by OptiBiotix Health Plc.
View a video of Dr Costabile and Stephen O'Hara, CEO of OptiBiotix Health Plc, discussing the study.
Read the published article here.