Probiotic Enhances Muscle Health in Aging

A recent study published on January 15, 2025, highlights the potential of a probiotic derived from human breast milk to impact sarcopenia, an age-related condition characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength.

Sarcopenia and the Gut Microbiome

Sarcopenia affects the quality of life of the elderly, increasing morbidity and mortality rates. According to the authors of the study, there is compelling evidence linking the gut microbiome, muscle health, and sarcopenia. This exploration focuses on the effects of the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis Probio-M8 (Probio-M8), a strain present in human breast milk, which has previously shown benefits in bone metabolism and neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease.

Experimental Results in Mice

The researchers conducted experiments on 19-month-old mice to assess the effectiveness of Probio-M8 over a 28-day period. The findings indicated:

• Improved muscle function: The mice that received probiotics exhibited enhanced muscle function.
• Reduction in senescence: Observable declines in cellular senescence markers were noted.

While the researchers investigated inflammatory markers, no significant differences were detected between the treatment and control groups, possibly due to low baseline inflammation.

Microbiome Changes and Metabolite Impact

While probiotic treatment led to modest alterations in the gut microbiome structure, it significantly influenced metabolite production. The control group exhibited a higher presence of the pathogen Mucispirillum schaedleri, associated with ulcerative colitis, whereas treated mice showed an increase in beneficial bacterial populations.

Furthermore, metabolites in fecal and serum samples revealed significant increases in substances associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, potentially benefiting neurological disorders.

Clinical Trial in Sarcopenia Patients

Building on promising results from animal studies, researchers evaluated the effectiveness of Probio-M8 on 43 older sarcopenia patients. After 60 days of supplementation, notable improvements were observed in:

• Five-time chair stand (FTCS) test: A 16% reduction in completion time, indicating enhanced lower limb strength.
• Total cholesterol levels: Observed reductions were noted, suggesting an overall health improvement.

However, assessments of skeletal muscle mass, grip strength, calf circumference, and BMI did not yield significant changes.

Biochemical Pathways and Mechanisms

The study delves into the role of metabolic pathways observed post-probiotic treatment. Noteworthy findings include:

• Increased creatine levels: A vital energy source promoting muscle protein synthesis.
• Enhanced microbial pathways: A boost in vitamin C biosynthesis and nucleotide metabolism was noted.

The authors posit that probiotics like Probio-M8 elevate creatine transport from the gut, potentially reducing the production of harmful metabolites such as n-dodecyl-l-homoserine lactone (HSL), which inhibits creatine absorption.

“Probio-M8 can inhibit the enrichment of HSL in patients with sarcopenia, thereby promoting the accumulation of creatine in the serum, improving the host’s overall physical performance.”

Conclusion and Future Directions

Though findings reveal modest alterations in the gut microbiome composition, the significant impact on metabolite production indicates promising avenues for enhancing muscle metabolism and treating sarcopenia through probiotics. Future research is warranted to further elucidate these relationships and develop effective therapeutic strategies for managing sarcopenia.

Literature Cited

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[9] Lifespan.io