A new study has revealed that a combination of probiotics and prebiotics may help protect against heart disease, particularly in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the research shows that this “synbiotic” approach can improve cardiovascular health by targeting gut health and reducing inflammation.
The Gut-Heart Connection
The human gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of bacteria, plays a critical role in many aspects of health, from digestion to immunity. Recent studies have suggested that the gut microbiome also influences cardiovascular health, with imbalances linked to heart disease. Researchers at APC Microbiome Ireland sought to explore this connection further, with a focus on how gut bacteria may affect heart health.
The team, based at University College Cork, partnered with Tate & Lyle, a leading food ingredient company, to study the impact of synbiotic supplementation on both the gut and the heart. They tested a combination of PROMITOR soluble corn fibre, a prebiotic, and a specific probiotic strain on pigs, observing its effects on heart disease.
Study Design And Findings
The 12-week study focused on animals with metabolic syndrome, a condition often associated with obesity, high blood pressure, and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers aimed to assess how synbiotics could mitigate heart muscle damage linked to diet-induced cardiac disease.
The results were promising: the combination of the prebiotic and probiotic reduced heart muscle damage in the animals. Specifically, the synbiotic treatment decreased the size of the left atrium by 20% and reduced the thickness of the left ventricle, which is crucial for heart function. These benefits were not seen when either the prebiotic or probiotic was used alone, suggesting that the combination is more effective for heart health.
In addition to heart health benefits, the synbiotic combination also enhanced the gut’s mucus layer, which helps protect the gut from harmful pathogens. The treatment reduced inflammation-related markers in the gut, further demonstrating its potential to support overall health.
Significance And Future Potential
According to Professor Noel Caplice, an APC Principal Investigator and Consultant Cardiologist at Cork University Hospital, this study marks a significant breakthrough. “This is the first time that bacteria residing in the gut have been used to treat heart disease associated with obesity and high blood pressure. Our synbiotic treatment shows similar effectiveness to some of the best available cardiac drugs,” Caplice said.
Professor Catherine Stanton, a Senior Principal Research Officer at Teagasc Moorepark Food Research Centre, highlighted the groundbreaking potential of the research. “This study underscores the important role the gut microbiome plays in our overall health. Our results are a significant step forward in personalized nutrition and in addressing chronic diseases like heart failure.
The study also received praise from Dr. Kavita Karnik, Global Head of Nutrition, Regulatory, and Scientific Affairs at Tate & Lyle. She commented, “It is exciting to see how our dietary fibres, when combined with probiotics, can improve health outcomes. This research presents new opportunities to tackle public health challenges such as obesity and its cardiovascular impacts.”
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