Efficacy of Spore Forming Bacilli Supplementation in Patients with Mild to Moderate Elevation of Triglycerides: A 12 week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this randomized double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of a commercial spore-based probiotic supplement consisting of 5 different spore forming bacilli (Bacillus indicus HU36, Bacillus subtilis HU58, Bacillus coagulans SC-208, Bacillus licheniformis, and Bacillus clausii SC-109) on reducing the triglyceride levels (TG) in patients with mild to moderate hypertriglyceridemia (HT).

Study design: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with eighty participants with non-fasting triglyceride levels greater than 150 mg/dL.

Methods: Eighty participants with non-fasting triglyceride levels greater than 150 mg/dL were randomized to receive oral probiotic supplement consisting of two capsules containing 5 different spore forming bacilli once daily in the morning or a placebo (rice flour). Their non-fasting triglyceride levels were measured again at six weeks and at twelve weeks.

Results: Compared to the placebo group, participants in the probiotic supplement group had significant lowering of their triglyceride levels after 90 days.

Conclusion: Mild to moderately elevated triglyceride levels can be lowered in patients with mild to moderate HT by a probiotic supplement consisting of five different spore forming bacilli.

Figure 1.

Trajectory of triglyceride level