title: Meta-Analysis: Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Lipid Profiles in Normal to Mildly Hypercholesterolemic Individuals.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recent experimental and clinical studies have suggested that probiotic supplementation has beneficial effects on serum lipid profiles. However, there are conflicting results on the efficacy of probiotic preparations in reducing serum cholesterol.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of probiotics on human serum lipid levels, we conducted a meta-analysis of interventional studies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eligible reports were obtained by searches of electronic databases. We included randomized, controlled clinical trials comparing probiotic supplementation with placebo or no treatment (control). Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.3.3. Subanalyses were also performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eleven of 33 randomized clinical trials retrieved were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. No participant had received any cholesterol-lowering agent. Probiotic interventions (including fermented milk products and probiotics) produced changes in total cholesterol (TC) (mean difference -0.17 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.27 to -0.07 mmol/L) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (mean difference -0.22 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.30 to -0.13 mmol/L). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels did not differ significantly between probiotic and control groups. In subanalysis, long-term (> 4-week) probiotic intervention was statistically more effective in decreasing TC and LDL-C than short-term (≤ 4-week) intervention. The decreases in TC and LDL-C levels with probiotic intervention were greater in mildly hypercholesterolemic than in normocholesterolemic individuals. Both fermented milk product and probiotic preparations decreased TC and LDL-C levels. Gaio and the Lactobacillus acidophilus strain reduced TC and LDL-C levels to a greater extent than other bacterial strains.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In conclusion, this meta-analysis showed that probiotic supplementation could be useful in the primary prevention of hypercholesterolemia and may lead to reductions in risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hygienic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-50-30 Shibakoen, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan.
authors.forename: Mikiko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shimizu
authors.affiliation: Division for Evaluation and Analysis of Drug Information, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-50-30 Shibakoen, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan.
authors.forename: Masayuki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hashiguchi
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan.
authors.forename: Tsuyoshi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Shiga
authors.affiliation: Department of Hygienic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-50-30 Shibakoen, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan.
authors.forename: Hiro-omi
authors.initials: HO
authors.lastname: Tamura
authors.affiliation: Division for Evaluation and Analysis of Drug Information, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-50-30 Shibakoen, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan.
authors.forename: Mayumi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mochizuki
mesh_terms: D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000097:blood* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D039781:PubMed; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
chemical_list: D008078:Cholesterol, LDL