Probi strengthens position in sports nutrition with new clinical insights on flagship probiotic strain, LP299V

Probi, part of Symrise Group, is strengthening its position in the sports and active nutrition segment with new clinical research on its well-documented probiotic strain, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v (LP299V). The study explores key biomarkers associated with kidney function, muscle stress, and gut inflammation during endurance running, supporting the strain’s potential role in performance and recovery applications.  

The findings, generated in collaboration with leading academic institutions across the US, UK, Italy and the University of Gothenburg and University of Lund in Sweden, reflect Probi’s continued commitment to advancing microbiome science for sports and active nutrition.  

Targeting physiological stress in endurance exercise 

Prolonged and high-intensity exercise places significant physiological demand on the body, often resulting in increased systemic inflammation, impaired intestinal barrier function, and elevated biomarkers associated with kidney and muscle injury. These responses are particularly relevant for endurance athletes, where maintaining physiological resilience is critical for both performance and recovery. The study investigated whether daily supplementation with LP299V could help modulate these exercise-induced physiological responses.  

Clinical study demonstrates effects of LP299V on key biomarkers 

In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 32 experienced runners consumed either LP299V (10 billion CFU) or placebo daily for four weeks before participating in endurance races ranging from 20 km to 164 km. 

Analysis of urine and fecal biomarkers before and after racing revealed that running distances of 20 km or more led to measurable increases in markers of kidney stress and gut inflammation. More pronounced effects were observed during ultra-endurance distances exceeding 100 km. 

Supplementation with LP299V was associated with a reduced increase in biomarkers related to tubular kidney injury, including composite biomarker TKIBC1 and MCP-1, indicating a potential protective effect on renal stress. LP299V also demonstrated a significant reduction in exercise-induced gut inflammation, as measured by fecal calprotectin (p<0.001), supporting its role in maintaining intestinal integrity under physical stress. 

Supporting resilience in active lifestyles 

“These findings highlight the potential of LP299V to support the body’s response to the physiological demands of endurance exercise,” says Gunilla Önning, Senior Science Manager at Probi. “By modulating inflammatory responses and supporting gut barrier function, LP299V may help athletes maintain resilience during prolonged physical activity.” 

While no differences were observed in self-reported gastrointestinal symptoms during racing, the biomarker data provide important mechanistic insight into how targeted probiotic supplementation can influence internal physiological responses to exercise-induced stress. 

Expanding science-driven solutions for sports and active nutrition 

The study underscores Probi’s ongoing investment in clinically substantiated microbiome solutions tailored to the needs of athletes and active individuals. As interest in gut health, recovery, and performance continues to grow, scientifically validated ingredients are becoming increasingly important for product differentiation in the sports nutrition category. 

Through its Sports and Active Nutrition by Probi offering, the company is focused on delivering evidence-based solutions that address key challenges associated with intense physical activity, including inflammation, gut health, and recovery. 

By continuing to collaborate with leading research institutions and invest in human clinical trials, Probi reinforces its position as a trusted partner for brands seeking to develop sports nutrition products grounded in science.
 

Visit the team at booth #3A88 at Vitafoods Europe, May 5-7 in Barcelona.