The effects are more pronounced when synbiotics supplements are consumed for > 8 weeks .
Synbiotic supplements may be beneficial to improve lipid profile , especially when they are consumed for > 8 weeks
Existing evidence on the possible effects of synbiotics on lipid profile is inconclusive .
The aim of the present systematic review was to clarify the effects of synbiotics consumption on lipid profile .
Effect of the consumption of a new symbiotic shake on glycemia and cholesterol levels in elderly people with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Background The consumption of foods containing probiotic and prebiotic ingredients is growing consistently every year , and in view of the limited number of studies investigating their effect in the elderly . Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the consumption of a symbiotic shake containing Lactobacillus acidophilus , Bifidobacterium bifidum and fructooligosaccharides on glycemia and cholesterol levels in elderly people . Methods A r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled study was conducted on twenty volunteers ( ten for placebo group and ten for symbiotic group ) , aged 50 to 60 years . The criteria for inclusion in the study were : total cholesterol > 200 mg/dL ; triglycerides > 200 mg/dL and glycemia > 110 mg/dL. Over a total test period of 30 days , 10 individuals ( the symbiotic group ) consumed a daily dose of 200 mL of a symbiotic shake containing 108 UFC/mL Lactobacillus acidophilus , 108 UFC/mL Bifidobacterium bifidum and 2 g oligofructose , while 10 other volunteers ( the  placebo group ) drank daily the same amount of a shake that did not contain any symbiotic bacteria . Blood sample s were collected 15 days prior to the start of the experiment and at 10-day intervals after the beginning of the shake intake . The st and ard lipid profile ( total cholesterol , triglycerides and HDL cholesterol ) and glycemia , or blood sugar levels , were evaluated by an enzyme colorimetric assay . Results The results of the symbiotic group showed a non-significant reduction ( P > 0.05 ) in total cholesterol and triglycerides , a significant increase ( P < 0.05 ) in HDL cholesterol and a significant reduction ( P < 0.05 ) in fasting glycemia . No significant changes were observed in the placebo group . Conclusion The consumption of symbiotic shake result ed in a significant increase in HDL and a significant decrease of glycemia . Trial Registration Clinical Trials.gov :
The effects are more pronounced when synbiotics supplements are consumed for > 8 weeks .
Synbiotic supplements may be beneficial to improve lipid profile , especially when they are consumed for > 8 weeks
Existing evidence on the possible effects of synbiotics on lipid profile is inconclusive .
The aim of the present systematic review was to clarify the effects of synbiotics consumption on lipid profile .