Synbiotic Supplemenation May Help Improve Iron Status

A synbiotic is a mixture of prebiotics and probiotics. Synbiotics can increase the amount of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract while also providing these bacterial cells with the fuel they need to function and thrive. A new study suggests that synbiotic supplementation combined with iron supplementation may help improve female athletes’ iron status.

Nineteen female athletes participated in the study. They received a synbiotic supplement containing 5 g prebiotic fiber and 8 billion CFU of the probiotic B. lactis and 140 mg ferrous sulfate or a placebo and 140 mg ferrous sulfate daily for 8 weeks. Iron status was assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 8. 

Participants in the synbiotic group saw a significant increase in iron status compared to participants in the placebo group. This increase was seen at week 4 and at week 8.

The study was conducted by researchers from Marywood University.It was published online ahead of print on February 22, 2021 in the Journal of Dietary Supplements.