Sarcopenia, an age-related condition, leads to a significant loss of muscle mass and strength, negatively impacting the quality of life for older adults.

A recent study explored the effects of the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis Probio-M8 on muscle health specifically in older patients suffering from sarcopenia.

Involving 43 older sarcopenia patients, the study administered Probio-M8 for 60 days, which resulted in a notable 16% improvement in the five-time chair stand test, indicating enhanced lower limb strength and physical performance.

The probiotic treatment led to increased serum creatine levels, which are crucial for muscle energy and promoting muscle protein synthesis.

The study concluded that Probio-M8 may enhance muscle metabolism and physical performance in sarcopenia patients by increasing creatine availability and inhibiting harmful microbial metabolites.

Post-treatment analysis of human samples revealed modest changes in gut microbiome composition, with an increase in beneficial bacteria and a decrease in pathogenic bacteria.

The probiotic treatment also resulted in significant increases in beneficial metabolites known for their anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties, potentially aiding in alleviating neurological disorders.

Significant metabolite changes were observed, including enhanced pathways for vitamin C biosynthesis and nucleotide metabolism, suggesting improved antioxidant defenses and muscle cell proliferation.

Researchers hypothesized that the harmful molecule n-dodecyl-l-homoserine lactone (HSL) interferes with creatine absorption, a hypothesis confirmed by laboratory tests on intestinal absorptive cells.

In a related experiment with 19-month-old mice, administration of Probio-M8 for 28 days led to improved muscle function and reduced signs of aging, although inflammatory markers showed no significant changes.

The study noted limited alterations in the gut microbiome structure of the mice, with the harmful pathogen Mucispirillum schaedleri being more prevalent in the control group compared to the probiotic group.

Probio-M8, which is found in human breast milk, has previously demonstrated benefits in bone metabolism and the treatment of Parkinson’s disease in older adults.