The effect of probiotic-fortified kefir on cardiovascular risk factors in elderly population: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract Introduction The outbreak of cardiovascular disease (CVD) augments with age. Gut dysbiosis can worsen or initiate systemic disorders such as metabolic diseases and CVDs. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the effect of kefir fortified with Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R017 on CVD risk factors in the elderly population. The subjects of this study were selected from the Motahari Clinic in Shiraz, Iran. Method This study was a double-blind, randomized, and controlled clinical trial that was conducted on 67 elderly people who were randomly divided into two groups: the fortified kefir group (n = 32), which received one bottle of fortified kefir (240 cc), and the placebo group (n = 35), which received one bottle of regular kefir for eight weeks. To analyze the data, SPSS software was applied. Results After eight weeks, significant differences were seen in atherogenic and Castell’s risk index I between the fortified and regular groups (p = 0.048 and p = 0.048, respectively). No significant differences were found in Castelli’s risk index II, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), non-HDL-C, TG-cholesterol index, and fasting blood sugar by comparing the two groups. Conclusion Our investigation demonstrated that fortified kefir with probiotics did not significantly affect lipid profiles. Still, it could significantly affect some indices, including Castelli’s risk index I and atherogenic index. More studies are required to confirm the findings and mechanisms of probiotics’ effect on CVD risk factors. Trial number The present registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20130227012628N3) at 2023-02-21.