Probiotic Aids Heart Along with Digestion

BOULDER, Colo.A probiotic juice that contains Institut Rosell's proprietary Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v) probiotic strain reduced myocardial infarct size in rats in a new study led by Dr. John Baker from the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (FASEB J. 2012 Jan 12). GoodBelly, a line of dairy-free probiotic juice drinks that contains Lp299v, decreased circulating leptin levels, reduced myocardial infarcts size and improved mechanical function, which are all necessary for proper heart health.

In the study, GoodBelly reduced circulating leptin levels by 41 percent; leptin is a protein hormone that plays a key role in appetite and metabolism. Further, rats who had the probiotic product also had smaller myocardial infarcts (29-percent reduction) and greater recovery of postischemic mechanical function (23 percent) compared to controls.

 The researchers hypothesized that gut microflora may influence the risk and severity of heart attacks in rats. GoodBelly markets its products with a digestive claim, and did not know its products were a part of the study.

Heart health has never been a focus of our research or claims, however we believe this study breaks new ground in the field of probiotic investigation, and were curious to see further work being done in the field," said GoodBelly CEO Alan Murray. "GoodBelly was developed to support digestive health, and while there is not sufficient evidence to support any heart health claim at this time, it is certainly encouraging to see findings of this nature."

Lp299v has been studied in more than 16 research trials and unlike many other live cultures, survives passage through the stomach's harsh acidic environment in order to benefit the rest of the digestive system.  Once making its way beyond the stomach, Lp299v is shown to replenish the digestive system with good bacteria by adhering to the intestinal lining, and colonizing the gut with beneficial microorganisms.

Discover more on probiotics with the "IPA Probiotic Update Workbook" from the  International Probiotics Association (IPA).