Actimel is a probiotic yogurt drink that’s marketed for supporting the immune system and improving gut health. Some people also wonder whether it can help lower cholesterol. This article looks at what we know about that claim.
What is cholesterol and why does it matter?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell. The liver makes most of it, and it’s also in foods like meat, eggs, and dairy. Cholesterol is needed to make hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that help digest fat.
There are two main types: LDL (low-density lipoprotein), often called “bad” cholesterol, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), or “good” cholesterol. High LDL can build up in artery walls, causing atherosclerosis and raising the risk of heart attack and stroke. HDL helps remove excess cholesterol and carry it back to the liver.
Keeping cholesterol at healthy levels matters. Eating a balanced diet, staying active, not smoking, and limiting alcohol can all help.
What does Actimel do and how does it work?
Actimel contains the probiotic strain Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001. This strain can help balance the gut microbiome, increase beneficial bacteria, and reduce harmful ones. People take Actimel mainly for gut health, immune support, and sometimes to ease IBS symptoms. The probiotic may interact with the gut’s microbes and stimulate the immune system, which can help overall health.
Can Actimel lower cholesterol?
The specific strain in Actimel (L. casei DN-114 001) hasn’t been studied much for cholesterol-lowering effects. While probiotics in general can sometimes affect cholesterol, there isn’t strong evidence that Actimel specifically will lower cholesterol. Other strains that have shown more consistent cholesterol effects include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Bifidobacterium lactis. These may work by reducing cholesterol absorption, increasing bile acid excretion, or affecting liver enzymes involved in cholesterol production.
Probiotics and cholesterol
Research on probiotics and cholesterol gives mixed results. For example, a 2018 meta-analysis of 32 randomized trials (about 1,971 participants) found that probiotics led to a small but statistically significant drop in total cholesterol. However, effects depend on the strain, dose, and how long people take them. Strains and combinations that have shown stronger effects include L. acidophilus, B. lactis, VSL#3, and L. plantarum. Scientists are still studying the exact ways probiotics might lower cholesterol.
Conclusion
Actimel can support gut health and the immune system, but there isn’t enough evidence to say it reliably lowers cholesterol. Some probiotic strains do seem to help lower cholesterol, but results vary by strain, dose, and duration. For managing cholesterol, proven steps remain eating a healthy diet, exercising, avoiding smoking, and limiting excess alcohol. If you’re considering probiotics specifically for cholesterol, talk with a healthcare professional about the best options.