Kaneka Cardio Probiotic reduces LDL and total cholesterol in recent study

Photo © AdobeStock.com/Маргарита Медведева

Kaneka Probiotics has announced the publication of a study¹ demonstrating the effects of its Cardio Probiotic on serum cholesterol levels. In the study, 91 subjects with a median age of 63.5 and untreated LDL cholesterol greater than 160 mg/dL were randomized to receive either placebo of the Cardio Probiotic, once daily for 12 weeks. The Cardio Probiotic consists of three strains of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum KABP -011, -012, and -013).

Results showed that subjects taking the probiotic formulation experienced a significantly larger reduction in LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol after 12 weeks, compared to placebo. These effects were also more pronounced in subjects with higher LDL cholesterol levels at baseline.

“Our Cardio strains are very potent producers of Bile Salt Hydrolase enzyme, which is one of the key mechanisms mediating cholesterol decline,” explained Mike Kolifrath, vice president, sales and marketing of the Probiotics Division at Kaneka, in a press release. “This is not a trait shared by all probiotics, so we are confident that innovative brands will incorporate Cardio into their cardiovascular formulations.”

Reference

1. Kerlikowsky F et al. “Probiotic formulation influences blood cholesterol levels: a randomized, controlled trial during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, vol. 46 (2021): 664-665