Effect of Different Probiotic Strains in Hypercholesterolemic Patients

A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial of Lactobacillus Acidophilus Plus Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp.Lactis, Versus Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG Versus Placebo in Patients With Hypercholesterolemia

Regular probiotic use for 8 weeks was evaluated in individual with mild to moderate hyperlipidemia. Current study have been determined the use of different probiotics strains on lipid parameters such as; total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride levels as well as glycemic parameters such as; glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR levels. Also, hs-CRP levels were investigated as inflammatory parameter.

In the light of recent studies, it has been shown that probiotics may have positive effects on hyperlipidemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of probiotics mainly on blood lipids as well as homocysteine levels, glycemic control parameters and hs-CRP levels A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study was completed with a total of 51 individuals who have diagnosed with hyperlipidemia. Participants were randomly assigned into 3 groups according to the probiotic type they would consume, groups were as follows; Lactobacillus (probiotic group I) (n=18), Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium (probiotic group II) (n=17) and placebo group (n= 16). They were all requested to have placebo or probiotic capsules every day for 8 weeks. Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride levels were investigated as lipid metabolism parameters while fasting blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR levels were investigated as glycemic parameters. Also, hs-CRP levels were investigated as inflammatory parameter.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Had a repeated total cholesterol level ≥200 mg/dL prior to allocate to the study group and to declined conventional lipid lowering medical treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those with any chronic conditions other than hypercholesterolemia,
• Individuals with inherited lipid metabolic disorders,
• Individuals with chronic gastrointestinal disease,
• Individuals with immunodeficiency,
• Individuals with malignancy,
• Individuals with mental disabilities,
• Patients currently using any lipid lowering drugs, or an alternative treatment to lower blood cholesterol (such as probiotics) and individuals who have used antibiotics in the previous three months prior to study and
• Pregnant or lactating women were excluded from the study.