The study, published in the journal Nutrients, found that the supplement also improved muscle mass, increased branched-chain amino acid (BCAA), testosterone and GLP-1 levels, and decreased markers of fatigue.
China-based scientists also reported that the probiotic, which was obtained from Wecare Probiotics Co., Ltd., increased digestive enzyme activity, helping to break down the protein for muscle synthesis.
“These findings suggest that BC99 had positive effects on strength performance by regulating body composition, protein digestion and absorption of amino acids, metabolism of skeletal muscle-related biochemical parameters and hormone levels,” they wrote.
The supplement has “significant market value in various groups of individuals, from athletes to patients suffering from obesity and even sarcopenia”, they added.
BC99 and muscle synthesis
The study noted that while protein is essential for muscle synthesis, bacteria in the intestines can utilize undigested amino acids to produce harmful metabolites such as skatole and sulfide. This highlights the importance of digestive enzymes in breaking down dietary or supplemental protein.
Researchers used Weizmannia coagulans BC99 (BC99), “a Gram-positive, spore-forming and lactic-acid-producing probiotic strain isolated from the fecal sample of a healthy infant in Inner Mongolia.”
This bacteria has previously shown the potential to improve digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colitis and constipation by generating beneficial metabolites in the gut that support digestion and absorption and inhibiting pathogenic bacteria.
However, the current researchers noted that their study is reportedly the first to evaluate the bacteria in terms of strength and physical performance.
“The study contributes to building the scientific foundation for using the probiotic BC99 as a potential tool for improving muscle protein synthesis and enhancing exercise capacity,” they wrote.
Gut-brain-muscle axis
The gut-brain axis is a well-established mechanism that influences health and disease. As emerging development, the gut-brain-muscle axis has gained attention for its potential to benefit sportspeople, aging populations and those with neurodegenerative diseases.
The brain and muscles communicate via motor neurons and signaling proteins called myokines. Recent research suggests that muscles have an endocrine function, influencing learning, memory and mood through myokines released from muscles during exercise.
Other studies show that the gut microbiome can regulate muscle development and function through this bi-directional communication via the brain.
The accumulating evidence has led to the development of nutritional strategies and supplements that harness the benefits of these mechanisms.
Study details
The randomized, double-blind, controlled trial recruited 72 male college students to consume milk protein powder with BC99 probiotics or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. The students maintained an identical exercise protocol for the duration of the study.
Researchers evaluated strength and body composition at baseline and the final stages of the study. They also took blood and stool samples at 12 weeks to assess digestive enzymes, biochemical parameters, amino acids and hormone levels.
After 12 weeks, the number of 80% repetition maximum (RM) in bench press and squat in the probiotic group was significantly higher than that of the placebo group, but no significant difference between the two groups was observed when testing the one RM of these exercises, which was higher in the final stage compared to baseline in both groups.
The probiotic group’s muscle and fat-free mass significantly increased compared to placebo, as did digestive enzymes such as pepsin and trypsin.
In addition, the intervention was associated with higher branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), testosterone and GLP-1. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, which indicate fatigue, were lower in the intervention group.
“Further studies are required to understand dose response and the underlying mechanisms and best practices to advance the application of BC99 as functional products,” the researchers concluded.
Source: Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 3990
doi: 10.3390/nu16233990
“Weizmannia coagulans BC99 improves strength performance by enhancing protein digestion and regulating skeletal muscle quality in college students of physical education major”
Authors: L. Cao et al.
