Probiotic May Reduce Oxidative Stress and Muscle Damage After Half Marathon

Running a half marathon can result increased oxidative stress and increased muscle damage. A recent study has found that probiotic supplementation may help reduce oxidative stress and muscle damage following a half marathon.

8 recreational runners with an average age of 26.5 participated in the study. They were given 4 capsules containing 300 billion CFUs of Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 or a placebo daily for 4 weeks. They switched interventions after a 3-month washout period.

The participants ran a half marathon at baseline and at the end of each supplementation period. The researchers evaluated muscle strength, muscle damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, and muscle fatigue 48 hours before the half marathon, and 3, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after the half marathon.

Participants experienced a significantly greater recovery of exercise capacity following the half marathon during the probiotic supplementation period compared to when they took the placebo. Probiotic supplementation also resulted in less oxidative stress and less muscle damage.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Taipei. It was published online ahead of print on November 9, 2021 in the journal Nutrients.