The York-based firm, which recently expanded online operations to sell its prebiotic and probiotic products direct to consumers, now add its CholBiome range that harness the benefits of the Lactobacillus bacteria to reduce ‘bad’ low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
“In the past most probiotics have been developed to aid immunity and digestion,” said OptiBiotix’s commercial director Per Rehne. “OptiBiotix’s patented probiotics deliver real heart health benefits.”
“CholBiome offers consumers a scientifically backed, holistic, non-pharmaceutical alternative to traditional cholesterol management products.”
Mechanisms of action
Researchers have suggested that the Lactobacillus species could influence cholesterol levels in a number of ways, including breaking apart bile salt molecules.
This mechanism of action results in reduced cholesterol absorption in the gut and subsequently less LDL.
Other theories include the actual break down of the cholesterol by the probiotic, which then goes on to use it for nourishment and/or fuel.
Optibiotix join Spanish-based firm AB-Biotics and US-based Nature’s Bounty Co’s as enterprises looking to capitalise on the interest in probiotic products and their benefits that extend beyond boosting digestive health.
For these firms, the bacterial species of choice is Lactobacillus, specifically the plantarum and reuteri strains, which are all backed by a supporting body of evidence demonstrating a cholesterol lowering ability.
Major deals agreed
AB Biotics in particular looked to have caught the eye of DuPont Nutrition & Health back in 2014, with a global collaboration and licensing agreement agreed for its AB-Life cholesterol-lowering probiotic.
Optibiotix are themselves no strangers to big deals, having recently announced an agreement with an unnamed US-based pharmaceutical company to develop its Lactobacillus plantarum (LPLDL) probiotic as a biotherapeutic pharmaceutical product.
Its patented LPLDL probiotic is the key ingredient in CholBiome, which also blends vitamin B3 and red yeast rice rich in Monacolin K to help reduce cholesterol levels, promote heart wellness and reduce blood pressure.
Taken once a day, CholBiomeX3, the first release in the CholBiome range of products, also provides the added benefit of a more diverse microbiome, leading to a healthier gut.
CholBiome products will be available for purchase from the company’s new online store, OptiBiotix.Online with CholBiomeX3, now available for pre-order.