Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM8661 on reducing lead in the human body and its effect on human health. Methods: In total, 60 volunteers suffering from foodborne heavy metal exposure were recruited and divided into two groups, with one orally receiving L. plantarum CCFM8661 powder and the other orally receiving a placebo. The protective effect of L. plantarum CCFM8661 on lead-exposed populations was evaluated comprehensively by analyzing the volunteers’ blood lead levels, blood cells, blood biochemical indexes, serum calcium and iron levels before and after interventions. Results: L. plantarum CCFM8661 intervention effectively reduced the blood lead level in the lead-exposed population, and down-regulated total bilirubin, urea and total serum protein while having no significant effect on blood cells, blood calcium or iron levels. Conclusion: L. plantarum CCFM8661 could protect lead-exposed subjects by effectively reducing lead levels and, thereby, has the potential to be further developed into a biological agent for the bioreduction of heavy metals.

Key words: lactic acid bacteria; Lactobacillus plantarum; lead-exposed population; lead; heavy metals