Effects of probiotics on the lipid profile: systematic review

Alterations in the intestinal microbiota can modulate mechanisms involving risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, including dyslipidemias The objective was to review the effects of probiotic supplementation on the prevention and treatment of changes to the lipid profile. The searches were run on the PubMed database, using the descriptors “probiotics and lipid profile” and “probiotics and dyslipidemia,” with publication dates restricted to 2013 to 2018. Supplementation with probiotics significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL-c, and triglycerides and increased HDL-c. Some benefits were observed on anthropometric variables, glycemic control, oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune system. The present study suggests that probiotic supplementation should be indicated as adjunctive treatment for dyslipidemias. Further studies should be developed to clarify long-term effects, as well as the influence of probiotics in combination with drug therapy.