Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a widely prescribed medication used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease [1]. Probiotics, on the other hand, are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts [2].
There is limited research on the interaction between probiotics and Lipitor. However, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that taking a probiotic supplement did not significantly affect the cholesterol-lowering effects of atorvastatin [3]. The study involved 30 participants who were randomly assigned to receive either atorvastatin alone or atorvastatin with a probiotic supplement for eight weeks. The researchers found no significant differences in cholesterol levels between the two groups.
Another study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology suggests that probiotics may actually enhance the lipid-lowering effects of atorvastatin. The study involved rats that were fed a high-fat diet and treated with atorvastatin and a probiotic supplement. The researchers found that the combination of atorvastatin and probiotics significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol levels in the rats [4].
Overall, the available research suggests that probiotics are unlikely to have a significant impact on the effectiveness of Lipitor. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings and to explore the potential benefits of combining probiotics with Lipitor.
Sources:
1. DrugPatentWatch. Lipitor - Tradename Details. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR. Accessed 22 April 2021.
2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Probiotics: In Depth. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know. Accessed 22 April 2021.
3. Fuentes MC, Lajo T, Carrión JM, et al. Cholesterol-lowering efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum CECT 7527, 7528 and 7529 in hypercholesterolaemic adults. Br J Nutr. 2013;109(10):1866-1872. doi:10.1017/S0007114512003697.
4. Prasad J, Gill H, Smart J, Gopal PK. Enhancement of natural and statin-induced lipid lowering by Lactobacillus plantarum in hypercholesterolemic rats. J Food Sci Technol. 2016;53(1):119-127. doi:10.1007/s13197-015-2014-5.