Effects of skim milk and its fermented product by Lactobacillus acidophilus on plasma and liver lipid levels in diet-induced hypertriglyceridemic rats.

Effects of skim milk and its fermented product by Lactobacillus acidophilus on plasma and liver triglyceride and cholesterol levels were examined in diet-induced hypertriglyceridemic rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats at 4 weeks of age were fed a hypertriglyceridemic diet that contained 20% coconut oil, 17.5% fructose, and 17.5% sucrose for 14 days. The test diet was supplemented with either 20% skim milk powder or 20% powder of skim milk fermented by L. acidophilus SBT 2062. Hypertriglyceridemia was observed in the control group, but plasma cholesterol levels were not increased. Skim milk suppressed the elevation of plasma triglyceride levels, while its fermented product had no significant effect. Both dairy products prevented the elevation of liver triglyceride and cholesterol levels, but had no effect on plasma cholesterol levels.