How the gut microbiota reduces bad cholesterol levels: the crucial role of propionate
- Dott. Giulio Rossi
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
Learn how to lower bad cholesterol by producing propionate with your gut microbiota.
Propionate is a molecule produced by the intestinal microbiota capable of modulating cholesterol levels and preventing cardiovascular diseases.
They are convinced of it Arash Haghikia and his colleagues from the University of Berlin (Campus Benjamin Franklin) who recently published an interesting article in the European Heart Journal .
Cholesterol and the intestine.
In this article, we'll discover how this molecule works, when to supplement it, and, most importantly, how to stimulate our microbiota to produce it on its own.
The dangers associated with high cholesterol
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the Western world: approximately 20 million in 2022 (66 thousand people per day).
Despite these alarming numbers, there is good news: these diseases are preventable through lifestyle changes . By addressing modifiable factors such as smoking, alcohol, diet, and physical activity, they can be eradicated before they cause morbidity.
One of the main targets to consider when we talk about the prevention of cardiovascular diseases is cholesterol .
We know that high levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL), and in particular of ApoB, promote the arteriosclerotic process, or the occlusion of blood vessels (if you haven't read the article yet, click here )
Keeping these indicators under control, therefore, represents a very powerful prevention tool.
The role of propionate in plasma cholesterol levels
It has recently been discovered that the microbiota, and the related metabolites produced by intestinal bacteria, are capable of controlling blood cholesterol levels and, consequently, improving vascular function and reducing the risk of atherogenesis, in particular propionate .
Propionate is a short-chain fatty acid ( SCFAs: propionic acid, butyric acid, acetic acid, etc.) produced by beneficial intestinal bacteria following the fermentation of indigestible substrates (such as dietary fiber).
Propionic acid (PA), in particular, has been implicated in the control of cholesterol, blood pressure, and adaptive immunity.
It has been known for many years that dietary fiber intake leads to better cardiovascular and metabolic health, but now we have scientific proof.
Propionate and cardiovascular risk
To demonstrate the beneficial effects of propionate, the authors of the study subjected some mice to experiments.
The first group was subjected to antibiotic therapy to deplete the bacterial flora, while the second group was treated with protonic acid (200 mg/kg). At the end of the 6 weeks, the following were observed:
Mice with a damaged microbiota, as a result of treatment with antibiotics, had higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels and an increase in atherosclerotic lesions;
Mice treated with propionate had reduced their cholesterol and triglyceride levels
The mechanism of action of propionic acid seems to reduce its absorption at intestinal level, modulating the expression of Npc1l1 , and inhibit the enzyme responsible for cholesterol biosynthesis ( HMG-CoA reductase ) just like statins do (choice cholesterol-lowering drug with many adverse effects).
Propionate and inflammation
Propionic acid also acts on the immune system.
In fact, it regulates intestinal T lymphocytes, increasing Treg cells and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the small intestine, players involved in the anti-inflammatory and repair processes of our body.
Propionic acid therefore reduces the risk of thrombosis by lowering systemic inflammation and prevents autoimmune diseases.
Clinical evidence
The evidence observed in vivo was tested on 62 patients with hypercholesterolemia and a similar trend was observed.
Treatment with propionic acid for 8 weeks:
significantly reduced serum levels of LDL lipoproteins and total cholesterol compared to the placebo group
increased Treg cells, reducing silent chronic inflammation
Conclusions and Recipes to Increase Propionate
Oral propionic acid supplementation has been shown, even in a clinical setting, to improve LDL and HDL levels, thus contributing to cardiovascular health.
A diet rich in fiber and probiotics supports the natural production of SCFAs, improving the lipid profile and effectively preventing cardiovascular diseases.
Here are some dietary suggestions that can help you produce more propionate:
Breakfast : kefir + oat flakes + chia seeds + cinnamon
Lunch : smoked salmon + Jerusalem artichoke + olives + blueberries
Snack : full-fat plain yogurt + blueberries + walnuts
Dinner : eggs + broccoli + whole wheat sourdough bread
If you also want to reduce "bad" cholesterol , prevent cardiovascular diseases or improve intestinal health with a personalized 3-6 month program, book your Functional Nutrition consultation with the GR® Team now.
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