Potential of acidophilus milk to lower cholesterol

Abstract

An attempt has been made to highlight the recent literature related to the hypocholesterolemic effect of acidophilus milk. Higher levels of serum cholesterol are often associated with cardiovascular diseases. Concentration of cholesterol can be kept lower by encouraging intake of polyunsaturated and monosaturated fatty acids and discouraging saturated fatty acids. Lactobacillus acidophilus, being the natural inhabitant of intestine and possessing bile‐salt hydrolase activity, can be exploited during the manufacture of acidophilus milk and its application as a means for reducing cholesterol level is recommended. Factors influencing the efficacy of acidophilus milk to lower serum cholesterol are type of milk employed for product manufacture, age, sex, food habits and initial concentration of cholesterol of test subjects. Consumption of acidophilus milk as a dietary adjunct can be recommended.