Probiotic and Potentially Probiotic Bacteria with Hypocholesterolemic Properties

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world. High cholesterol is one of the biggest risk factors for these diseases, so the need for natural sources that can lower cholesterol has been of interest since the medications used often cause adverse effects. Hypocholesterolemic capacity has been evaluated in microorganisms, mainly probiotics, which have been extensively studied, and a positive effect has been observed in the reduction of cholesterol, which is enhanced with the use of dietary fibers or prebiotics. So, the objective of this review is to gather information on these studies including proposed mechanisms.