MicrobeWorld

As someone who has been taking a daily regimen of probiotics for some time now, a recent study was of particular interest to me. Probiotics, for those of you who don’t already know, are live microorganisms that are found to benefit the microbiome in your stomach and intestinal tract. They are believed to have a beneficial effect on your digestive system and can usually be ingested by enjoying a delicious yogurt or by taking a probiotic supplement.

A new study out, and presented at this year’s American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, is claiming that with just two daily doses of a new strain of probiotic, one could see a significant decrease in key cholesterol-bearing molecules in the blood as well as “bad” and total cholesterol levels.

This builds on findings from previous studies that showed a formulation of the bacteria, known as Lactobacillus reuteri, had also lowered blood levels of LDL, which is the cholesterol your doctor may usually refer to as the bad kind.

The medical community has been taking more interest in these supplemental treatments lately, even while researchers are still trying to get a fuller understanding of how probiotics will affect general health and aid in treatment of such chronic ailments, such as heart disease, according to lead author of the study and research assistant in the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University, Mitchell L. Jones, M.D., Ph.D.