Dysbiosis of gut microbiota has been reported to be involved in the development of hypercholesterolemia in both humans and animal models. Probiotics have been reported to have ameliorative effects in murine models. However, whether probiotics could help alleviate dyslipidemia in adults remain obscure.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that have been associated with multiple health benefits. However, its protective role in adults has long been controversial. This study aims to examine the effect of 12-week probiotics supplementation on lipid management in Chinese adults. By understanding the mechanism by which probiotics exert the beneficial effects, we can better control the rising prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Eligible subjects include men and women 18 to 75 years of age with primary hypercholesterolemia who has a total cholesterol level of 5.18 mmol/L or higher and/ or an LDL cholesterol level of 2.59 mmol/L or higher;
• Absence of any diet, dietary supplement and medication that might interfere with lipid homoeostasis and gut microbiota, especially antibiotics and probiotics.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Triglyceride levels higher than 3.95 mmol/L, or any other systemic, metabolic and cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases;
• Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes treated with insulin or other medications;
• Acute illness or current evidence of acute or chronic inflammatory or infective diseases;
• Participation in any diet or lifestyle program more than 2 times per week in the latest 3 months prior to recruitment;
• Mental illness rendering them unable to understand the nature, scope, and possible consequences of the study.

Participants, investigators and care providers at the scene are all blinded to the allocation of treatment group. Data collected will be analyzed by another investigator who is blinded to the study design.