A bacteria with a potential for lowering LDL cholesterol levels

High levels of cholesterol in the blood increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. According to the World Health Organization, 39% of the world’s population has raised levels of cholesterol. Finding more ways to keep cholesterol in check has clear benefits to public health. MELiSSA research on food for astronauts found a bacterium with the potential for lowering LDL cholesterol levels by 30-40%. With ESA’s support, spin-off company ezCOL BV was set up by IPStar BV, MELiSSA’s technology transfer partner, to continue research and market the cholesterol-diminishing bacterium. ezCOL BV is completing the development and valorisation of a patented preparation method for the use of this bacterium as a nutraceutical and a pharmaceutical drug. The bacterium can also be used in animal feed to reduce LDL cholesterol levels in food consumed by humans. Development focuses on over-the-counter nutraceuticals, functional food and drugs. However, applying the microorganisms in animal feed represents another route to market and will generate products of animal origin such as pork, milk and eggs with low cholesterol content. MELiSSA expertise MELiSSA has significant expertise in nutrition development and bacterial biomass production and characterisation. This knowledge is built during several MELiSSA projects that were aimed to develop water recycling methods and ways to cook nutritious meals using less common ingredients. Bacteria grow exponentially and can provide many nutrients in an astronaut’s diet on a long mission to the Moon or Mars.