Probiotics are cultured live bacteria that is known to be beneficial for gut health. Probiotic supplements are now available that contain one or more strains of live bacteria with the purpose of improving or boosting the health of the gut. But recent research indicates that probiotics may also be beneficial for other things, such as lowering cholesterol levels and reducing heart disease risk.
Researchers from the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Iran sought out to determine whether there are benefits from taking probiotics supplementation. Lead authors Fatemeh Hendijani, PharmD, PhD, and Vajihe Akbari, PharmD, PhD, of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, analyzed data coming from 11 ramdomized controlled trials involving diabetics, which included intervention and placebo arms. They measured for plasma levels of total cholesterol, plasma triglycerides as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels as primary outcomes for possible benefits of probiotic supplementation. Data was collected from studies conducted in countries like in the US as well as in Brazil, Iran, Denmark, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.
In the studies that assessed plasma triglyceride levels, probiotic supplementation resulted in reduced levels compared to those assigned with placebo. The same results were also seen in total cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol levels as found in several of the studies assessed. However, there were no significant difference observed in HDL cholesterol levels.
Moreover, the studies assessed indicated that probiotic supplementation was linked to a reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels in seven of the studies.
Source: Healio
Tags: bp levels, cholesterol levels, Diabetes News, probiotics supplements