The "Hellus bacteria" developed in the University of Tartu now available in a capsule

The several years of close cooperation between the scientists of the University of Tartu and a development partner in France have resulted in the creation of a dietary supplement Reg'Activ Cholesterol in capsules, which contain lactic acid bacteria ME-3 widely known as "the Hellus bacteria", vitamins and other active ingredients. Natural main ingredients will help to correct the cholesterol levels, keep a normal level of homocysteine and protect cells against excessive oxidative stress.

"The "Hellus" bacteria has been an active topic since the bacteria discovered by researchers at the University of Tartu made it to the consumers first in the Heart Cheese produced in the Vana-Kuuste dairy cooperative and later in the milk products of Tere in the series "Hellus", said chief specialist of intellectual property Jane Saatre of the University of Tartu. The researchers at the University of Tartu are working constantly to the ascertainment of the probiotic properties and possible food mechanisms and transmit new scientific data also to the pharmaceutical industry, helping to develop the concept of new products.

In May 2012, the professor emeritus Marika Mikelsaar and professor of medical biochemistry Mihkel Zilmer, both of the University of Tartu were contacted by the representatives of the French company VF Bioscience. "They were looking for a partner who could offer a well described probiotic bacteria and the capability for joint development in the development of food supplements. The scientific works of the scientists of the University of Tartu on the characteristics of the ME-3 awakened a serious interest in development partners in France," Saatre commented on the start of the cooperation. "The lactic acid bacteria ME-3 dietary supplement developed by now provides a more extensive global opportunity to promote public health," continued Saatre.

The capsule is intended for use by people with hypercholesterolaemia, that is, when a person has been analysed to have a cholesterol value higher than the norm. Hypercholesterolaemia is one of the important heart and vascular diseases related risk factors. The number of problematical hypercholesteroaemic people in the world is, unfortunately, very high, for example, 16–20% of the adults in the United States. In Estonia, the cholesterol levels are a concern for an estimated one in five adults. "In the case of hypercholesterolaemia, the products normalising the levels of cholesterol are a very important tool next to a healthy lifestyle for the people who have high cholesterol levels," said Saatre, pointing out that studies have demonstrated that the capsule also features a number of other favourable effects in reducing inflammation and other risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.