Weizmannia coagulans BC99: A Novel Adjunct to Protein Supplementation for Enhancing Exercise Endurance and Reducing Fatigue

Adequate protein consumption is essential for optimal physical fitness and enhancing athletic performance. This study explored the impact of <i>Weizmannia coagulans</i> BC99 on protein-supplemented male fatigued mice, examining aspects such as protein digestion, exercise endurance, fatigue-related biochemistry, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota alterations. Results indicate that the synergistic effect of probiotics and protein significantly boosts the activity of protein-digesting enzymes, enhances protein absorption, and reduces serum levels of urea nitrogen, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, malondialdehyde, and the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 in skeletal muscle. Additionally, serum catalase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase levels, interleukin-4 in skeletal muscle, and glycogen stores in muscle and liver were notably increased. The study also found elevated mRNA expression levels of <i>Nrf2</i> and <i>HO-1</i> in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, an increase in short-chain fatty acids was observed in the probiotic treatment group, and 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that <i>Weizmannia coagulans</i> BC99 enhanced gut microbiota diversity and augmented beneficial bacterial populations including <i>Roseburia</i>, <i>Mucispirillum</i>, <i>Rikenella</i>, and <i>Kineothrix</i>. Collectively, these findings suggest that combining BC99 with protein supplementation can effectively improve gut flora, thereby enhancing exercise capacity and exerting potent anti-fatigue effects. Our research provides a new possibility for alleviating exercise-induced fatigue.