Kaneka’s Cardio Probiotic lowers LDL and total cholesterol, study finds

02 Mar 2022 --- Kaneka has unveiled that its Cardio Probiotic can reduce high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in people.

This is according to a study in which hypercholesterolemic individuals were given the formulation containing three Lactobacillus Plantarum strains (L. Plantarum KABP-011, -012 and -013) during the placebo-controlled clinical trial setting.

“One of our core strategies is to deepen the level of science behind our strains and formulations. This study strengthens the positioning of Kaneka’s Floradapt Cardio as the premier probiotic formulation for cardiovascular health,” Sid Shastri, director of marketing at Kaneka Probiotics, tells NutritionInsight.

The company states it will continue to produce stronger formulations for Cardio Probiotic as it offers new cardiovascular formulations for industry.

“Our Cardio strains are producers of Bile Salt Hydrolase enzyme, which is one of the key mechanisms mediating cholesterol decline. This is not a trait shared by all probiotics, so we are certain brands will incorporate Cardio into their cardiovascular formulations,” says Mike Kolifrath, vice president, sales and marketing of the Probiotics Division at Kaneka.Cardio Probiotic’s hypocholesterolemic effect was more substantial in patients with greater LDL cholesterol levels.

The study found that Cardio Probiotic had a positive effect on plasma LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol compared to placebo.

Examining the triple-strain impact
The 12-week trial, presented at the 2021 ESPEN Congress (European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism) and published in the Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, used a daily dose of 100 mg of the triple-strain combination (providing 1.2 billion CFUs per day).

“Probiotic applications for cardiovascular health are still in the early adopter stage. There were only nine probiotic products available for cardiovascular health in a recent review. Customer engagement is a clear indication that people will welcome a probiotic recommendation for heart health,” says Shastri.

The experimental arms showed a substantially higher reduction in LDL cholesterol than the placebo group, which showed minor improvements. Additionally, it was found that Cardio Probiotic’s hypocholesterolemic effect was more substantial in patients with greater LDL cholesterol levels.

“Kaneka’s probiotic strains can be applied to different health targets, such as cardiovascular health, skincare, cognitive health and infant colic. Clinically studied probiotics will be co-formulated into product categories far beyond gut and immunity,” adds Shastri.

Cardio Probiotic has four published clinical trials exhibiting benefits evaluated through plasma lipid measurement, including this current study.

Previously, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Kaneka’s probiotic Floradapt Brain (Lactobacillus plantarum DR7), which works through the gut-brain axis.

By Nicole Kerr