Probiotic Power: Boost Sleep, Energy & Recovery with Athlete-Derived Strains

A study reveals how athlete-derived probiotics improve sleep, energy, and recovery for the general public and elite athletes. The findings highlight significant health benefits, including enhanced performance.

FREMONT CA,: A recent study published in the journal Microbiome has revealed groundbreaking findings on how specialized probiotic strains can boost sleep quality, energy levels, and recovery, benefiting both elite athletes and the general public. The research, conducted by Tindaro Bongiovanni of Palermo Football Club and FitBiomics, focused on three athlete-derived Lactobacilli strains Lactiplantibacillus platarum FB00015, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus FB00047, and Lactobacillus acidophilus FB00012.

The two-phase study involved 257 participants from the general population, with an average age of 40, who received either a low dose (10 billion CFUs) or a high dose (35 billion CFUs) of the probiotic supplement, Nella. Within two weeks, 94 percent of participants reported significant health improvements, particularly in sleep quality, energy levels, and post-exercise recovery.

In the second phase, elite Italian soccer players underwent a 12-week placebo phase followed by a 12-week probiotic intervention, taking four probiotic capsules weekly. Results from this phase were equally striking, with 69 percent of athletes reporting improved sleep quality, 31 percent experiencing increased energy levels, and 37 percent noticing enhanced bowel regularity. Blood and stool sample analyses revealed significant reductions in oxidative stress and inflammation. Multi-omics analysis uncovered a biological pathway that promotes antioxidant production, potentially aiding the body’s response to sleep deprivation.

The research highlights the profound impact of Nella on the microbiome, extending its effects beyond gut health to include benefits for the brain and immune system. The study demonstrates how these probiotics can enhance sleep, energy, and gastrointestinal function, ultimately improving quality of life and potentially contributing to longevity.

The study also explored how elite athletes tend to have more diverse gut microbiomes, with higher abundances of beneficial bacterial species. This research builds on previous findings and highlights the untapped potential of probiotics derived from exceptionally fit individuals. The probiotic supplement also showed an intriguing effect on the free testosterone to cortisol ratio, a metric linked to improved recovery and enhanced performance.

FitBiomics, which has been exploring athlete-derived probiotics since launching Nella in 2021, continues to push the boundaries of this research. They are now investigating additional probiotic strains, such as Veillonella, which plays a role in converting lactic acid into energy-producing short-chain fatty acids. This could further enhance recovery and performance, offering new avenues for athletes to improve their physical well-being.

The study marks a breakthrough in uncovering the connection between gut microbiota, athletic performance, and overall health. By examining the microbiomes of elite athletes, researchers are developing innovative approaches to wellness that could benefit professional athletes and the wider public. This research has the potential to lead to personalized nutritional interventions transforming how we approach health and longevity.

This research highlights the intricate role of probiotics in enhancing human health and performance. By tapping into the microbiomes of elite athletes, scientists are paving the way for personalized, data-driven health strategies that could lead to enhanced sleep, improved recovery, and better overall health for individuals of all backgrounds. This breakthrough study opens the door to a new frontier in nutrition and wellness, with probiotics as a crucial tool for enhancing physical performance and quality of life.