Effect of probiotic Lactobacillus on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of probiotic Lactobacillus on serum lipids using a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials. METHODS: Fifteen studies containing 15 trials, with 976 subjects were included. The pooled WMD was calculated by random effects model. RESULTS: Probiotic Lactobacillus consumption significantly reduced TC by 0.26mmol/l (95% CI, -0.40 to -0.12) and LDL-C by 0.23mmol/l (95% CI, -0.36 to -0.10). Subgroup analysis of trials found significantly reduction of TC using L. plantarum and reduction of LDL-C using L. plantarum or L. reuteri. No significant effects were found on TG and HDL-C levels after supplementation with probiotic Lactobacillus. While, subgroup analysis found significantly beneficial effects on TG and HDL-C by consuming synbiotic food, containing L. sporogenes and inulin. CONCLUSION: Consuming probiotic Lactobacillus, especially L. reuteri and L. plantarm, could reduce TC and LDL-C significantly. The study also suggested significantly beneficial effects on TG and HDL-C by consuming synbiotic food, containing L. sporogenes and inulin.