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

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#cholesterol-hdl #cholesterol-ldl #lactobacillus #lipid-metabolism #probiotics

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

Wu et al., 2017 | PLoS One | Meta Analysis

Citation

Wu Yucheng, Zhang Qingqing, ... Ruan Zhongbao. Effect of probiotic Lactobacillus on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials. PLoS One. 2017;12(6):e0178868. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0178868

Abstract

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.

Key Findings

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 synbioti

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 976
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Cholesterol, HDL
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Lactobacillus
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Probiotics
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Triglycerides

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: probiotics

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09