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Gut bacteria break down cholesterol

In a new study, researchers found that gut bacteria can break down cholesterol. They identified  bacteria in the human gut that have an enzyme that can convert cholesterol into a form that isn't absorbed by the body. The study supports previous work indicating a link between bacterial enzymes that can modify cholesterol. This research could potentially be used to develop probiotic-type treatments to replace or support traditional treatments for managing cholesterol, like statins.

For a summary of the research, click here

For the whole research paper, click here

Blog image credit:  Susanna Hamilton, Broad Communications