Function of Yogurt Fermented with the Lactococcus lactis 11/19-B1 Strain in Improving the Lipid Profile and...

The number of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is increasing in Japan, and this population is at high risk of death from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, prevention of arteriosclerosis as a common underlying cause of these diseases is required. In this study, we examined whether 11/19-B1 yogurt, which has been proven to reduce serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, can decrease the serum levels of indoxylsulfate and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), which are produced by intestinal microbiota and known to cause arteriosclerosis, through improving dysbiosis in hemodialysis patients.

Nineteen dialysis patients consumed 50 g of 11/19-B1 yogurt daily for 8 weeks, and changes in serum lipid profile and uremic toxin levels, intestinal microbiome, as well as the frequency of bowel movement and stool characteristics were observed.

The results demonstrated that an intake of yogurt decreased serum LDL 99.3 to 88.5 (p = 0.049) and indoxylsulfate in seven of nine subjects with previously high concentrations, and improved stool characteristics as estimated by the Bristle stool score, although decreased HDL and no beneficial effect on serum TMAO was observed.

These results may suggest that the ingestion of 11/19-B1 yogurt provides a preventative effect against the progression of atherosclerosis and renal dysfunction.