Sports nutrition benefits of Weizmannia coagulans BC99: a randomized controlled trial on muscle function and recovery in healthy participants

This study evaluated the effects of Weizmannia coagulans BC99 ( W. coagulans BC99) as a sports nutrition supplement on muscle function and recovery following intensive exercise. With a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study design, seventy-two healthy male college students were randomized into placebo group ( n = 36) and probiotic group (n = 36). Participants received placebo or probiotic for 12 weeks, after which muscle damage was induced via an intense exercise protocol (5 sets of 12 repetitions of barbell squat at 70% of one-repetition maximum [1RM] with a 2-min interval between sets). Muscle pain level was assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after the intense exercise, and plasma levels of lactate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein (CRP), levels of Inflammatory factors and markers of Oxidative stress. The results showed BC99 significantly reduced muscle pain levels at 48 h and 72 h compared with the placebo group ( p < 0.05); Concentrations of lactate and CRP, activity of LDH and CK in the probiotic group were remarkably lower than those of the placebo group ( p < 0.05); The probiotic group had lower levels of IL-1β, TNF-α and ROS, and higher the level of IL-10 and SOD compared with the placebo group at 24 h after the intense exercise ( p < 0.05); In addition, BC99 can improve intestinal microbiota disorders and increase the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria. These findings suggest that W. coagulans BC99 is effective for accelerating recovery of EIMD in male college students, with no adverse or allergic reactions reported during the study period, indicating favorable safety and tolerability. Weizmannia coagulans BC99 regulates the gut microbiota, particularly increasing the relative abundance of Collinsella , Bifidobacterium , Agathobacter , and other bacterial genera. This may be a key factor in BC99's ability to alleviate muscle injury by inducing inflammation and oxidative stress. • BC99 significantly reduces muscle pain at 48 h and 72 h post-intense exercise and lowers levels of muscle damage markers (lactate, LDH, CK) and inflammatory marker (CRP). • BC99 modulates inflammatory responses by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10). • BC99 enhances antioxidant capacity by reducing ROS levels and elevating SOD activity, mitigating oxidative stress post-exercise. • BC99 improves gut microbiota balance, increasing beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium) and reducing pathogenic strains (e.g., Escherichia-Shigella). • BC99 increases digestive enzyme levels and regulates hormone (PYY) secretion, potentially promoting nutrient absorption and gut barrier integrity.