Scientists in Ireland have identified a strain of gut-living bacteria that may be able to lower cholesterol levels. In fact, in tests conducted on laboratory mice, the bacteria successfully lowered cholesterol levels by 50%.
Human trials have been scheduled for later this month and researchers at the Teagasc Food Research Center in Moorepark, Co Cork, are currently trying to recruit 90 healthy male and female volunteers to try the special bacteria-providing yogurt for a duration of 12 weeks.
The project was funded by Enterprise Ireland and has a budget of €100,000
It is early days yet, but if the trial go well the cholesterol lowering yogurt may be brought to market in the near future.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in most European countries and statistics show the problem is escalating in many of them, including Ireland. High cholesterol continues to be one of the main contributing factors so if the Lactobacillus mucosae bacteria can help to lower cholesterol in humans as well as it appears to be able to in mice it could have the potential to save lives.
Dr Catherine Stanton, who is one of the project leaders, said: "We did a large screen study of bacteria that ultimately led to the identification of a number of candidates and we then narrowed it down to just one strain, the lactobacillus mucosae, which are normally found in the human gut."
The scientists successfully managed to add the new cholesterol lowering bacteria to cheese and yoghurts.
"Through the animal studies we now know that it works," Dr Stanton said. "These animals had a high in fat, high cholesterol diet, but when we gave them the food products combined with the strain, their cholesterol was significantly reduced."
Several manufacturers have already shown an interest in the cholesterol lowering bacteria, but much still hangs on how well the bacteria works on human tests subjects. If all goes well though, it may not be long before people are eating cholesterol lowering yoghurt with their morning cup of coffee.
Human trials have been scheduled for later this month and researchers at the Teagasc Food Research Center in Moorepark, Co Cork, are currently trying to recruit 90 healthy male and female volunteers to try the special bacteria-providing yogurt for a duration of 12 weeks.
The project was funded by Enterprise Ireland and has a budget of €100,000
It is early days yet, but if the trial go well the cholesterol lowering yogurt may be brought to market in the near future.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in most European countries and statistics show the problem is escalating in many of them, including Ireland. High cholesterol continues to be one of the main contributing factors so if the Lactobacillus mucosae bacteria can help to lower cholesterol in humans as well as it appears to be able to in mice it could have the potential to save lives.
Dr Catherine Stanton, who is one of the project leaders, said: "We did a large screen study of bacteria that ultimately led to the identification of a number of candidates and we then narrowed it down to just one strain, the lactobacillus mucosae, which are normally found in the human gut."
The scientists successfully managed to add the new cholesterol lowering bacteria to cheese and yoghurts.
"Through the animal studies we now know that it works," Dr Stanton said. "These animals had a high in fat, high cholesterol diet, but when we gave them the food products combined with the strain, their cholesterol was significantly reduced."
Several manufacturers have already shown an interest in the cholesterol lowering bacteria, but much still hangs on how well the bacteria works on human tests subjects. If all goes well though, it may not be long before people are eating cholesterol lowering yoghurt with their morning cup of coffee.