Do Probiotics Lower Your Cholesterol? (let’s find out)

This article will provide you with science-backed reasoning as to how and why probiotics may or may not lower cholesterol.

We would have never guessed it some few years ago, but the development in research just keeps discovering the crucial roles that our gut microbiome plays in our overall health.

Yes, in this case, your intestinal microbes may also drive cholesterol reduction either by clinging to their molecules or using them for their own purpose. Therefore, by incorporating probiotics into your diet, you can keep your cholesterol levels under control.

In this article, I will tell you about the different mechanisms by which probiotic strains affect cholesterol levels and recommend some relevant supplements.

So, keep reading to know the details.

Here’s How Probiotics May Lower Cholesterol:

Probiotics directly lower the cholesterol levels in the blood, or they may improve the health conditions which affect them.

For instance, some probiotics restore the intestinal barrier to prevent cholesterol reabsorption, while others may reduce cholesterol solubility.

Moreover, the NHS states that there may also be some underlying conditions that may impact cholesterol levels, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.

Correspondingly, some probiotics may target these conditions to control your cholesterol.

And if you want to look out for cholesterol-reducing bacteria, you may review listed species belonging to the genus Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, Propionibacterium, and Lactococcus.

So, let’s get into the details of the probiotic strains and their different mechanisms.

By Probiotic Mediated Cholesterol Reduction

1. With Bacterial Bile Salt Hydrolase (BSH)

Multiple studies prove the cholesterol-lowering potential of BSH active probiotics belonging to the genus Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, and Bifidobacterium.

The bacterial bile salt hydrolase (BSH) is a gene that is found in the intestinal microflora. It deconjugates the bile salts and co-precipitates the cholesterol with them.

Here, conjugated bile salts are produced from cholesterol, but they get reabsorbed in the body. However, after getting de-conjugated into free bile acids, they are excreted easily via feces.

Correspondingly, animal trials show that rats that are fed BSH encapsulated and fermented dairy probiotics have a 58% reduction in their cholesterol levels.

2. By Lowering Total and LDL Cholesterol

A recent 2022 meta-analysis of 14 studies and 12 randomized control trials reported that probiotics might lower TC and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

Here, LDL carries the cholesterol to the body cells that require it, and if the cholesterol levels are high, it may accumulate in the blood vessels. Therefore, it is referred to as bad cholesterol.

However, this benefit was observed only with a probiotic dose that delivers one × 107 CFU per gram of live bacteria to the colon.

3. With SCFA

Some probiotic strains break down the indigestible fiber in the gut into short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). These metabolites may have a cholesterol-lowering effect as well.

Because these SCFAs may inhibit the fat production in the liver, which in turn reduces the lipid levels in the blood and helps to keep the cholesterol levels in check.

4. By Using Cholesterol For Their Own Processes

Different in-vitro studies show that probiotic species such as those in Lactococcus and Lactobacillus genus remove the cholesterol in the plates by incorporating it into their cellular membranes during growth.

By Promoting Weight loss

WebMD states that for every 10 pounds that you weigh, your body produces an additional 10milligrams of cholesterol daily.

Therefore, you may improve your cholesterol by managing your weight, and probiotics may help you with that.

A 2021 meta-analysis of 23 clinical trials found that probiotics modulate the gut microbiota, which ultimately improves the body mass index and fatty acids content in the blood.

By Lowering Blood Pressure

Again, according to WebMD, more than 60% of hypertensive patients simultaneously suffer from high cholesterol, and both of them have a two-way effect on each other.

In our case, high blood pressure may damage the blood vessels over time, and this may cause cholesterol build-up in places of artery tears.

Gladly, clinical trials show that administration of probiotic species such as Lactobacillus helveticus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and L. casei reduces the blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels in the participants.

Therefore, you may use probiotics to manage blood pressure-associated cholesterol issues.

By Controlling Diabetes

Again, The WebMD also estimates that up to 70% of type 2 diabetics also have diabetic dyslipidemia.

Dyslipidemia is a condition in which there are low levels of good cholesterol but a predominance of triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Additionally, this LDL cholesterol may be much smaller and denser than healthy people.

However, studies found that consuming probiotics such as species from the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus genera repopulates the gut, improves insulin sensitivity, and decreases the LPS levels in the blood as well.

Best Probiotics For Cholesterol

Since now you know that you can use probiotics to manage your cholesterol levels, here are my top five picks that you can try if you don’t know where to start.

1. Florassist Heart Health

The Life extension Florassist probiotics improve the underlying issues that may be putting stress on your heart.

It is based on a science-backed Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic that may improve cholesterol levels and digestive health.

This 9-week randomized control trial tested the cholesterol-lowering activity of the BSH active L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 strain on 127 participants.

At the end of the trial, participants had higher de-conjugated bile salts. Moreover, the L.reuteri capsules reduced the LDL cholesterol by 11.6%.

Additionally, the total cholesterol had decreased by 9.1%, the non-HDL-cholesterol by 11.3%, apoB-100 (a protein found in LDL cholesterol) by 8.4%, and cholesteryl ester saturated fatty acids by 8.8%.

It also reduced the C-reactive protein by 1.05 mg/L and the blood clotting protein fibrinogen by 14.25% in blood, whose long-term elevation is linked to heart disease.

Cost

• It costs only $24 for 60 tablets. On top of that, the shipping won’t cost you a single penny.

Pros

• It supports healthy total and LDL-cholesterol levels.
• It supports cardiovascular health.
• It offers 2.5 billion CFU per serving.
• It is gluten-free.
• It has a vegetarian formula.
• It is a non-GMO strain.
• It has a certificate of analysis.
• The product is based on 40 years of research.
• It is available at both online stores and the official website.
• It delivers worldwide.

Cons

• It comes with a strict warning against exceeding the recommended dosage.

2. Kaneka Floradapt Cardio Probiotics

The Floradapt cardio probiotics combine both the goodness of nature and science and are free from any extra ingredients that have no actual benefit for health.

The best part about it is that it contains three L. Plantarum strains, all of which are certified as FDA GRAS for either individual or combination use in foods or supplements.

Additionally, their doses also fall within the clinically tested dosage ranges. Therefore, the efficacy and safety of these probiotics are backed by solid scientific evidence.

Correspondingly, two clinical trials prove that they improve heart health by lowering total and LDL cholesterol.

Furthermore, it may also have a positive impact on the liver and improve fatty liver disease as it decreases the total lipids and cholesterol in the liver.

Cost

• You can buy its 30 capsules for $29.95 from here, and that too with free shipping.

Pros

• It helps to maintain normal LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• It enhances cardiac wellness.
• It is available in capsules, sticks, and drops.
• Kaneka/AB biotics won the probiotic of the year award.
• It offers 1.2 billion CFU of probiotics per serving.
• The three FDA GRAS probiotic strains
• It has to be taken once daily.
• It has non-GMO strains.
• It is free from gluten and major allergens like soy, nuts, fish, and dairy.
• It is free from artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners.
• The floradapt cardio won NPN license approval.

Cons

• It can only be bought from the official website.
• They are currently sold only in the US and China.
• The probiotic strains are combined in a proprietary blend.

3. Purica Probiotics

Apart from having science-backed strains, the Purica probiotics also have a transparent formula.

Therefore, even though the Purica probiotics have the same three FDA GRAS probiotic strains as in the above product, their individual concentrations are also mentioned.

Considering this, they have the same clinically approved efficacy for heart, liver, and digestive health, plus it is more widely available.

Cost

• You can purchase its 30 capsules for $23.95. However, standard delivery charges will apply to your every purchase.

Pros

• It lowers cholesterol and improves heart health.
• It is available on the official website as well as in online and physical stores.
• It’s one capsule provides the optimum dose.
• It has a vegan formula.
• It improves blood lipid levels.
• It is gluten-free.
• It has 0.4 billion CFU of every probiotic strain.
• It has three FDA GRAS strains.

Cons

• It has artificial sweeteners.

4. Ombre Lab Probiotics

The ombre lab probiotics not only focus on providing a cardioprotective benefit but also has strains that boost your overall health.

It combines eight clinically proven and FDA GRAS strains that support immune function, repair the intestinal barrier, increases insulin sensitivity, enhance mood, and maintain blood pressure and heart function.

In brief, Pediococcus acidilactici, L. rhamnosus GG, and B.longum strain survive the gastric pH and colonize the gut and, thus, help to improve stool consistency, intestinal permeability, and overall immune and digestive health.

On the other hand, the three L. plantarum strains maintain heart health by managing cholesterol levels.

Cost

• A bottle of 30 capsules costs $39.99 for a one-time purchase, and there is no offer to relieve you of the standard shipping costs as well.

Pros

• It maintains a healthy cholesterol level.
• It is beneficial for the heart, diabetes, weight management, and digestive health.
• It has 10 billion CFU of probiotics per serving.
• It has eight probiotic strains.
• It is a non-GMO product.
• It is free from dairy, soy, nuts, fish, and gluten allergens.
• It is shelf stable.
• It is available at both the official website and online stores.

Cons

• The probiotic strains are present in a proprietary blend.
• It is a bit costly.

5. CardioSense probiotic

With CardioSense probiotic, you get 12 science-approved digestive, immune, and heart health-friendly bacteria in one supplement.

In the digestive blend, the floradapt intensive GI strains and the Bifidobacterium species are combined to improve lactose tolerance, regularity, and abdominal discomfort.

Among the two, the floradapt strains were found to be resistant to the digestive environment and improve lactose tolerance. In contrast, the bifido blend helps to stabilize the gut microflora.

Next, the floradapt cardio blend has three L. plantarum strains that lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides while simultaneously increasing good cholesterol to improve cardiovascular health.

As 70% of our immune cells reside around the intestinal barrier of the gut so, the third floradapt mature immune defense blend strengthens the GI system to support the adaptive immune system.

Cost

• You can get 30 capsules for $46.99. However, you may get free shipping with their refill offer that delivers a bottle every 90 days.

Pros

• It boosts heart, gut, and immune function.
• It has a 90-day money-back guarantee.
• It offers 12 billion CFU of probiotics per serving.
• It has a vegan formula.
• It has three probiotic blends.
• It is gluten and soy free.
• The quality is ensured by with triple testing philosophy.
• It is formulated with the recommendation from Dr. Sinatra.
• It is UL-certified.

Cons

• It is expensive.

FAQs

Which probiotic strains are best for cholesterol?

The probiotic strains that were found beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels are L. plantarum CECT 7527, Lactobacillus plantarum CECT 7528, Lactobacillus plantarum CECT 7529, Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242. So, look out for these species during your next supplement purchase.

Can probiotics lower blood pressure?

Yes, probiotics may help to lower blood pressure. More research is required in this regard, but species belonging to the Lactobacillus genus and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae may have this benefit.

Does Yakult lower cholesterol?

Yes, Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota is the prominent strain in Yakult, and studies identified L. casei strains to have good cholesterol-lowering potential.

How to lower cholesterol naturally?

You may try consuming more fiber and probiotics, replacing saturated with mono-unsaturated fats, exercising, and maintaining weight within your normal BMI.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, yes, probiotics help lower cholesterol.

They do this either by modulating the actual cholesterol-storing mechanisms in the body or by dealing with some risk factors that affect cholesterol accumulation.

These risk factors may include being overweight and having blood pressure or diabetes. Nonetheless, don’t use probiotic supplements as a treatment without the doctor’s recommendation.