Probiotics in athletes and the general population: study offers insights into sleep-exercise-microbiome connection

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A recently published study examined how bacteria strains affected gut and sleep health in both athletes and less active individuals. The probiotic strains used in the study were athlete-derived. The two-phase study, “A Lactobacillus consortium provides insights into the sleep-exercise-microbiome nexus in proof of concept studies of elite athletes and in the general population,” was published in January 2025 in Microbiome.

The study involved 11 elite athletes and 257 individuals from the general population. In the open-label phase of the experiment, the participants from the general population received two weeks of capsules of the probiotic supplementation at a low dose and high dose, and completed surveys on benefits and side effects. After the two weeks, 94% of participants reported benefits, with the most commonly reported benefits being improved sleep quality, shorter recovery time post-exercise, decreased frequency of fatigue, decreased soreness after workouts, and more regular bowel movements.

In the longitudinal controlled study, 11 athletes received the placebo, then the supplement over a period of several weeks and completed surveys on the benefits and symptoms afterward. To understand the mechanism of action, biological samples were also taken.

Highlighted results from the placebo-controlled study intervention include:

• Self-reported improvement in sleep increased by 69%
• Energy levels improved by 31%
• Improvement in bowel movements by 37%
• A decrease in oxidative stress
• A higher free-testosterone/cortisol ratio

“We observed significant improvements in sleep quality, energy levels, and bowel movement quality after the intervention,” the researchers concluded. “Sleep quality and exercise recovery are closely linked, as better sleep contributes to enhanced recovery from physical exertion. The observed improvements in sleep quality and energy suggest that the probiotic intervention could be modulating the host’s physiology and stress response, possibly through the modulation of testosterone, cortisol, and inflammatory markers.”

The probiotic strains for testing in the placebo-controlled study were provided by biotechnology company FitBiomics, Inc, which funded the study. FitBiomics released its first consumer probiotic product under the brand name Nella in 2021².

"This publication not only underscores FitBiomics' commitment to advancing science-backed wellness solutions through peer reviewed validation; it also marks a new chapter in our ability to rapidly translate the microbial attributes of the most fit people in the world into preventative medicine solutions to benefit everyone," stated Dr. Jonathan Scheiman, co-founder and CEO of FitBiomics, in a January 7, 2025 press release. "Our research shows the profound impact of Nella on the microbiome outside of just 'the gut,' with brain and immune benefits. We are excited to publish the impact of Nella on improving a person's quality of life and longevity by aiding with sleep, while also increasing energy and improving gastrointestinal function—all crucial factors in achieving optimal health and daily performance."

References

1. Bongiovanni, T.; Santiago, M.; Zielinska, K.; Scheiman, J.; Barsa, C.; Jäger, R. Pinto, D.; Rinaldi, F.; Giuliani, G.; Senatore, T.; Kostic, AD. A Lactobacillus consortium provides insights into the sleep-exercise-microbiome nexus in proof of concept studies of elite athletes and in the general population. Microbiome 2025. DOI:10.1186/s40168-024-01936-4
2. FitBiomics Announces Monumental Advancement in Biome Research Poised to Transform Sleep and Gut Health Interventions Worldwide https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fitbiomics-announces-monumental-advancement-in-biome-research-poised-to-transform-sleep-and-gut-health-interventions-worldwide-302344501.html (accessed Jan 8 2025).