US researchers found less cholesterol in intestines and blood of people with high concentrations of these bacteria. People with a particularly large number of bacteria from the genus Oscillibacter in their intestines had comparatively lower cholesterol levels in their stool and blood.
Animal fats in particular, such as sausages, meat, butter and other dairy products, can lead to an increase in cholesterol concentrations. Foods rich in cholesterol such as smoked fish, organ meats and egg yolks can also increase the level, but to a lesser extent.