Probiotics and Sports Nutrition: The Impact of Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 on Protein Absorption and Performance in Resistance-Trained Males
The integration of probiotics has garnered increasing interest in sports nutrition, with a particular focus on its effects on nutrient digestion and absorption. This study delves into the impact of Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2, a probiotic known for its digestive support properties, on the absorption and utilization of proteins in resistance-trained males. Employing a double-blind, placebo-controlled experimental design, participants were randomly assigned to consume whey protein with or without the probiotic for 60 days, alongside a resistance exercise program.
In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, resistance-trained males (21.08 ± 2.84 years) were randomized to consume either 20 g of whey protein powder {80% whey protein concentrate (WPC80), equivalent to 15.4 g of protein} with 2 billion CFU of Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 (supplementation group) or 20 g of whey protein powder and lactose instead of Bacillus coagulans (placebo group) once daily for 60 days with a controlled resistance exercise protocol.
The whey protein concentrate (WPC-80) given to both groups had a lactose content of 6.8%. Plasma-free amino acids (PFAA) were determined at baseline, 30, and 60 days of supplementation. Muscle strength, hypertrophy, VO2 max, body composition, and other biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and the end of the study.
A positive effect of Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 supplementation on protein absorption was observed, as evidenced by a +16.1% increase in total PFAA (p = 0.004).
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) including isoleucine (p = 0.016), leucine (p = 0.001), and valine (p = 0.002) increased by +33.1% in the ITT analysis compared to placebo after 60 days. At 30 days, a +35% increase in isoleucine (p = 0.113), a +43% increase in leucine (p = 0.032), and a +32% increase in valine (p = 0.017) were observed in the ITT analysis.
The probiotic effect was demonstrated on exercise performance as indicated by a +16.61% increase in one RM in leg press and a +7.86% increase in vertical jump power (p = 0.024 and p = 0.007, respectively).
A significant increase in BCAA absorption was observed with supplementation of B. coagulans Unique IS-2 alongside whey protein, along with improvement in leg press and vertical jump power, indicating the positive effect of the probiotic on lower body muscular strength.
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Source: Tarik, M., Ramakrishnan, L., Bhatia, N. et al. The effect of Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 supplementation on plasma amino acid levels and muscle strength in resistance trained males consuming whey protein: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eur J Nutr 61, 2673–2685 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-022-02844-9
