Efficacy of a LRC™ (L. Reuteri NCIMB 30242) Capsule on Managing Cholesterol in Adults

To investigate the effect of a supplement capsule containing LRC™ (L. reuteri NCIMB 30242), taken twice daily with lunch and dinner (NLT 2.5E9 CFU per dose), versus placebo capsule on serum low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol in otherwise healthy hypercholesterolemic adults after 9 weeks of product consumption.


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Males and females aged 20 to 75 years.
* LDL-C ≥ 3.40 mmol/L at visits V0 and V2-1 (\<15% variation between visits V0 and V2-1).
* TG \< 4.00 mmol/L (checked at visits V0 and V2-1).
* BMI between 23.0 to 32.5 kg/m2.
* Subject understands and accepts to follow the dietary recommendations advisable for hypercholesterolemic patients (according to NCEP-ATP III guidelines)
* Judged by the investigators as compliant (\>80%) with product consumption (check at V2-1), and motivated.
* Subjects taking stable doses of thyroid hormone and anti-hypertensive agents will be permitted, as long as these are continued equivalently throughout the duration of study.
* Agreement to maintain current level of physical activity throughout the study.
* If female, subject is not of child bearing potential. Defined as females who have had a hysterectomy or oophorectomy, bilateral tubal ligation or are post-menopausal (natural or surgically with \> 1 year since last menstruation) OR Female subject of childbearing potential must agree to use a medically approved method of birth control and have a negative urine pregnancy test result. Acceptable methods of birth control include Hormonal contraceptives including oral contraceptives, hormone birth control patch (Ortho Evra), vaginal contraceptive ring (NuvaRing), injectable contraceptives (Depo-Provera, Lunelle), or hormone implant (Norplant System); Intrauterine devices; Vasectomy of partner.
* Voluntary, written, informed consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Use of cholesterol lowering prescription drugs within the last 6 months.
* Use of plant sterols, omega 3, fish oil, soy protein, soluble oat fiber, psyllium seed husk, or other cholesterol lowering non-prescription supplements within last 1 month.
* History of chronic use of alcohol (\>2 drinks/d).
* History of heavy smoking (≥20 cigarettes/d).
* Use of systemic antibodies, corticosteroids, androgens, or phenytoin.
* Immune-compromised subjects (e.g. AIDS, lymphoma, subjects undergoing long-term corticosteroid treatment).
* Subject having experienced any cardiovascular event (myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass, or other major surgical procedures) in the last 6 months.
* Subjects with elevated LDL-C (≥ 3.40 mmol/L) and high (\>20%) CVD risk estimated by the Framingham risk score.
* Previously diagnosed Type I or Type II diabetes or any other endocrine disorders such as adrenal insufficiency, Cushing's disease, hyperthyroidism, hypopituitarism or polycystic ovary syndrome.
* Subject receiving systemic treatment or topical treatment likely to interfere with evaluation of the study parameters.
* Subject currently involved in a clinical trial or in an exclusion period following participation in another clinical trial.
* History of angina, congestive heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal, renal, pulmonary, hepatic or biliary disease, or cancer (evidence of active lesions, chemotherapy or surgery in the past year).
* Clinically significant abnormal laboratory results at screening.
* Chronic user of probiotics or fibre laxative (greater than 2 doses/wk), or stimulant laxatives.
* History of eating disorders.
* Exercise greater than 15 miles/wk or 4,000 kcal/wk.
* For female subjects: Pregnancy, breast feeding, or intent to get pregnant.
* Allergy or sensitivity to test product ingredients.
* Allergy or sensitivity to all 3 antibiotics (Clindamycin, Erythromycin and Ampicillin).
* Diagnosis of anemia or bleeding disorders