Scientists from Griffith University in Australia found that probiotic intake is linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
Probiotics are made up of beneficial bacteria that help keep the body healthy and functioning properly.
These “good” bacteria assist in many ways, including fighting off harmful bacteria, supporting digestion, and improving overall well-being.
Probiotics are part of the body’s microbiome—the complex community of microorganisms that live in and on the human body.
Previous research has found that probiotics can help prevent or treat diarrhea caused by infections or antibiotic use.
They may also reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, boost immune function, and decrease inflammation and allergies.
In the current study, researchers reviewed the effects of probiotics on major heart disease risk factors.
These include high blood pressure, elevated BMI, high cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood), and high blood sugar.
The team analyzed 34 studies involving 2,177 adults.
They found that probiotic intake was linked to reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, blood sugar, HbA1c, and BMI, as well as an increase in HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
- Systolic blood pressure measures pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.
- Diastolic blood pressure measures pressure when the heart rests between beats.
- LDL cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup inside arteries, increasing heart disease risk.
- HDL cholesterol helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for elimination, lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke.
There was no strong effect on triglyceride levels.
The team also found that probiotic use for more than 1.5 months produced stronger benefits. In addition, alternate formulations such as kefir and probiotic powders, along with higher dosages, were linked to greater improvements.
The researchers concluded that probiotic intake can significantly reduce blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Using kefir or probiotic powder and taking probiotics for longer than 1.5 months led to even better results.
Probiotics may also help lower total and LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol. Additionally, probiotic supplements showed a beneficial effect in reducing BMI associated with overweight and obesity.
The research was published in Current Hypertension Reports and conducted by Asher Dixon et al.
