To investigate the effect of a supplement capsule containing LRC™ (L. reuteri NCIMB 30242), taken twice daily with lunch and dinner (NLT 2.5E9 CFU per dose), versus placebo capsule on serum low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol in otherwise healthy hypercholesterolemic adults after 9 weeks of product consumption.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males and females aged 20 to 75 years.
• LDL-C ≥ 3.40 mmol/L at visits V0 and V2-1 (<15% variation between visits V0 and V2-1).
• TG < 4.00 mmol/L (checked at visits V0 and V2-1).
• BMI between 23.0 to 32.5 kg/m2.
• Subject understands and accepts to follow the dietary recommendations advisable for hypercholesterolemic patients (according to NCEP-ATP III guidelines)
• Judged by the investigators as compliant (>80%) with product consumption (check at V2-1), and motivated.
• Subjects taking stable doses of thyroid hormone and anti-hypertensive agents will be permitted, as long as these are continued equivalently throughout the duration of study.
• Agreement to maintain current level of physical activity throughout the study.
• If female, subject is not of child bearing potential. Defined as females who have had a hysterectomy or oophorectomy, bilateral tubal ligation or are post-menopausal (natural or surgically with > 1 year since last menstruation) OR Female subject of childbearing potential must agree to use a medically approved method of birth control and have a negative urine pregnancy test result. Acceptable methods of birth control include Hormonal contraceptives including oral contraceptives, hormone birth control patch (Ortho Evra), vaginal contraceptive ring (NuvaRing), injectable contraceptives (Depo-Provera, Lunelle), or hormone implant (Norplant System); Intrauterine devices; Vasectomy of partner.
• Voluntary, written, informed consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of cholesterol lowering prescription drugs within the last 6 months.
• Use of plant sterols, omega 3, fish oil, soy protein, soluble oat fiber, psyllium seed husk, or other cholesterol lowering non-prescription supplements within last 1 month.
• History of chronic use of alcohol (>2 drinks/d).
• History of heavy smoking (≥20 cigarettes/d).
• Use of systemic antibodies, corticosteroids, androgens, or phenytoin.
• Immune-compromised subjects (e.g. AIDS, lymphoma, subjects undergoing long-term corticosteroid treatment).
• Subject having experienced any cardiovascular event (myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass, or other major surgical procedures) in the last 6 months.
• Subjects with elevated LDL-C (≥ 3.40 mmol/L) and high (>20%) CVD risk estimated by the Framingham risk score.
• Previously diagnosed Type I or Type II diabetes or any other endocrine disorders such as adrenal insufficiency, Cushing's disease, hyperthyroidism, hypopituitarism or polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Subject receiving systemic treatment or topical treatment likely to interfere with evaluation of the study parameters.
• Subject currently involved in a clinical trial or in an exclusion period following participation in another clinical trial.
• History of angina, congestive heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal, renal, pulmonary, hepatic or biliary disease, or cancer (evidence of active lesions, chemotherapy or surgery in the past year).
• Clinically significant abnormal laboratory results at screening.
• Chronic user of probiotics or fibre laxative (greater than 2 doses/wk), or stimulant laxatives.
• History of eating disorders.
• Exercise greater than 15 miles/wk or 4,000 kcal/wk.
• For female subjects: Pregnancy, breast feeding, or intent to get pregnant.
• Allergy or sensitivity to test product ingredients.
• Allergy or sensitivity to all 3 antibiotics (Clindamycin, Erythromycin and Ampicillin).
• Diagnosis of anemia or bleeding disorders