Gut microbiome composition affects blood cholesterol levels in humans.

Is it true that gut microbiome composition affects blood cholesterol levels in humans?

Partly. Several human studies partially support a link between gut microbiome composition and blood cholesterol: a review says microbiota can alter blood lipids, and a Framingham cohort associated Oscillibacter with lower plasma cholesterol. However, small trials of kombucha and egg interventions found no significant microbiome-driven cholesterol changes, so the evidence covers only part of the claim.

Verdict: CONTESTED PARTIAL · 3 sources for, 2 against · Last checked 3 Oct 2026

The private library was unavailable for some searches in this check. Missing library results are not evidence against the claim.

Chen, B., Li, Y., Li, Z., Hu, X., Zhen, H., Chen, H., Nie, C., Hou, Y., Zhu, S., Xiao, L., & Li, T. (2025). Vitamin E ameliorates blood cholesterol level and alters gut microbiota composition: A randomized controlled trial.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.numecd.2025.103964

Ecklu-Mensah, G., Miller, R., Maseng, M. G., Hawes, V., Hinz, D., Kim, C., & Gilbert, J. A. (2024). Modulating the human gut microbiome and health markers through kombucha consumption: a controlled clinical study. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-80281-w

The Role of Gut Microbiota on Cholesterol Metabolism in Atherosclerosis - PMC Lock. (n.d.). pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22158074

Li, C., Stražar, M., Mohamed, A. M. T., Pacheco, J. A., Walker, R. L., Lebar, T., Zhao, S., Lockart, J., Dame, A., Thurimella, K., Jeanfavre, S., Brown, E. M., Qi, Y., Berdy, B., Sergio, D., Invernizzi, R., Tinoco, A., Pishchany, G., Vasan, R., & Balskus, E. (2024). Gut microbiome and metabolome profiling in Framingham Heart Study reveals cholesterol-metabolizing bacteria. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2024.03.014

Whole egg consumption increases plasma choline and betaine without affecting TMAO levels or gut microbiome in overweight postmenopausal women. (2020). doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2020.04.002