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Page 14 of 18 Stuivenberg et al. Microbiome Res Rep 2025;4:11 https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/mrr.2024.22

supplements mainly consisted of lactobacilli or bifidobacteria and were often tested using animal models.
The limited number of quality clinical trials in atherosclerosis patients and conflicting findings make strain
recommendation for atherosclerosis difficult. Therefore, more studies are needed to identify new strains
with specific metabolic functions against atherosclerosis and to test them in the appropriate human
populations. Long-term studies that also address how probiotic administration improves not only
symptoms and quality of life but also additional clinical parameters such as plaque burden, cardiovascular
events, and survival are needed.

DECLARATIONS
Authors’ contributions
Accepted the invitation to write the paper and wrote the first draft: Spence JD
Wrote the expanded manuscript; Stuivenberg GA
Made substantial contributions to the conception and design of the study and performed data analysis and
interpretation: Stuivenberg GA, Spence JD, Burton JP
Performed literature search, as well as providing administrative, technical, and material support:
Stuivenberg GA, Poon A, Burton JP, Spence JD
Edited the manuscript: Stuivenberg GA, Poon A, Burton JP, Spence JD

Availability of data and materials
Not applicable.

Financial support and sponsorship
This work was in part funded by a Canada Graduate Scholarship -Doctoral; held by Stuivenberg GA.

Conflicts of interest
All authors declared that there are no conflicts of interest.

Ethical approval and consent to participate
Not applicable.

Consent for publication
Not applicable.

Copyright
© The Author(s) 2024.

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