Author(s): Venkata Kishan Pokuri
Background: Probiotics enhance absorption of amino acids from protein supplements. This study evaluated the effect of Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969® (probiotic) on amino acid absorption rates and incidence of acneiform lesions after whey protein supplementation.
Methods: Healthy adults aged 18 years-30 years were randomized to receive either whey protein (25 g) and probiotic or whey protein (25 g) alone once daily for 14 days with a 21-day washout period. The primary endpoint was area under the plasma concentration vs time curve (AUC0-4h) for amino acids. The secondary endpoints included: Cmax, Tmax, incidence of acneiform lesions, and safety.
Results: Of 30 participants, 26 were treated in the first period, of whom, 22 completed the study. The mean (SD) age was 26.0 (3.4) years and the mean (SD) BMI was 24.0 (3.0) kg/m2. Adding probiotic to whey protein numerically increased the total plasma amino acid concentration (AUC0-4h), however the difference was not statistically significant. The Cmax of arginine, cysteine, and histidine significantly increased with probiotic (p<0.05). Probiotic supplementation led to a numerically faster Tmax for most amino acids; though not statistically significant. The incidence of acneiform lesions was significantly lower in the probiotic vs protein group (13.6% vs 54.5%; p<0.05). No treatment related adverse events were reported.
Conclusion: Adding B. coagulans SNZ 1969® to whey protein significantly improved the Cmax for certain amino acids and reduced the incidence of acneiform lesions. The probiotic was safe and well tolerated, and beneficial in reducing acneiform lesions for those consuming whey protein supplements.