Impact of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics on lipid metabolism in humans

Jackson, K. G. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0070-3203 and Lovegrove, J. A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7633-9455 (2012) Impact of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics on lipid metabolism in humans. Nutrition and Aging, 1 (3-4). pp. 181-200. ISSN 1879-7725 doi: 10.3233/NUA-130017

Abstract/Summary

Public health strategies for reducing the risk of coronary heart disease have focused on lowering plasma lipids, particularly cholesterol levels, with recent studies also highlighting triacylglycerol (TAG) as an important modifiable risk factor. One approach is to supplement the diet with probiotics, prebiotics or synbiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. Putative health benefits include improved resistance to gastrointestinal infections, reduction in lipid levels and stimulation of the immune system. Prebiotics are selectively fermented dietary components that are aimed at improving host health through selective fermentation by the gut microbiota, such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Animal studies have shown prebiotics to markedly reduce circulating TAG and to a lesser extent cholesterol concentrations, with favourable but inconsistent findings with respect to changes in lipid levels in human studies. Here we provide an overview of the effects, and possible mechanisms, of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics (combination of a probiotic and prebiotic) on circulating lipeamia in humans.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/33393
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Interdisciplinary centres and themes > Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research (ICMR) Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences > Human Nutrition Research Group
Publisher	IOS Press
Download/View statistics	View download statistics for this item