The study, published in the journal Nutrients, found that the supplement also improved muscle mass, increased branched-chain amino acid (BCAA), testosterone and GLP-1 levels, and decreased markers of fatigue.

China-based scientists also reported that the probiotic, which was obtained from Wecare Probiotics Co., Ltd., increased digestive enzyme activity, helping to break down the protein for muscle synthesis.

“These findings suggest that BC99 had positive effects on strength performance by regulating body composition, protein digestion and absorption of amino acids, metabolism of skeletal muscle-related biochemical parameters and hormone levels,” they wrote.

The supplement has “significant market value in various groups of individuals, from athletes to patients suffering from obesity and even sarcopenia”, they added.

BC99 and muscle synthesis

The study noted that while protein is essential for muscle synthesis, bacteria in the intestines can utilize undigested amino acids to produce harmful metabolites such as skatole and sulfide. This highlights the importance of digestive enzymes in breaking down dietary or supplemental protein.

Researchers used Weizmannia coagulans BC99 (BC99), “a Gram-positive, spore-forming and lactic-acid-producing probiotic strain isolated from the fecal sample of a healthy infant in Inner Mongolia.”

This bacteria has previously shown the potential to improve digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colitis and constipation by generating beneficial metabolites in the gut that support digestion and absorption and inhibiting pathogenic bacteria.

However, the current researchers noted that their study is reportedly the first to evaluate the bacteria in terms of strength and physical performance.

“The study contributes to building the scientific foundation for using the probiotic BC99 as a potential tool for improving muscle protein synthesis and enhancing exercise capacity,” they wrote.

Gut-brain-muscle axis

The gut-brain axis is a well-established mechanism that influences health and disease. As emerging development, the gut-brain-muscle axis has gained attention for its potential to benefit sportspeople, aging populations and those with neurodegenerative diseases.

The brain and muscles communicate via motor neurons and signaling proteins called myokines. Recent research suggests that muscles have an endocrine function, influencing learning, memory and mood through myokines released from muscles during exercise.

Other studies show that the gut microbiome can regulate muscle development and function through this bi-directional communication via the brain.

The accumulating evidence has led to the development of nutritional strategies and supplements that harness the benefits of these mechanisms.

Study details

The randomized, double-blind, controlled trial recruited 72 male college students to consume milk protein powder with BC99 probiotics or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. The students maintained an identical exercise protocol for the duration of the study.

Researchers evaluated strength and body composition at baseline and the final stages of the study. They also took blood and stool samples at 12 weeks to assess digestive enzymes, biochemical parameters, amino acids and hormone levels.

After 12 weeks, the number of 80% repetition maximum (RM) in bench press and squat in the probiotic group was significantly higher than that of the placebo group, but no significant difference between the two groups was observed when testing the one RM of these exercises, which was higher in the final stage compared to baseline in both groups.

The probiotic group’s muscle and fat-free mass significantly increased compared to placebo, as did digestive enzymes such as pepsin and trypsin.

In addition, the intervention was associated with higher branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), testosterone and GLP-1. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, which indicate fatigue, were lower in the intervention group.

“Further studies are required to understand dose response and the underlying mechanisms and best practices to advance the application of BC99 as functional products,” the researchers concluded.

Source: Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 3990
doi: 10.3390/nu16233990
“Weizmannia coagulans BC99 improves strength performance by enhancing protein digestion and regulating skeletal muscle quality in college students of physical education major”
Authors: L. Cao et al.

Researchers at Assam’s Tocklai Tea Research Institute have discovered a groundbreaking way to produce green tea using the Curl, Tear, and Crush (CTC) method, typically reserved for black tea. Published in Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, the study shows that CTC-processed green tea (CGT) rivals or even surpasses orthodox green tea (OGT) in antioxidant levels and bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, catechins, and theanine.

Remarkably, CGT achieves similar health benefits with just half the tea leaves. “Only 0.75 grams of CTC green tea matches the bioactive content of 2 grams of orthodox green tea,” a researcher explained. This innovation not only reduces production costs but also makes green tea more accessible to consumers.

The CTC process enhances production by breaking tea leaves into finer particles, increasing their surface area for better water interaction during brewing. This results in the release of up to 167% more bioactives compared to traditional methods, offering a cost-effective yet high-quality alternative.

The study highlights the potential of CGT to expand the global green tea market, catering to rising demand while benefiting both consumers and producers. With its affordability, sustainability, and rich health benefits, CGT could revolutionize how green tea is produced and consumed worldwide.

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A ton of research exists about the health benefits of consuming omega-3 fatty acids.

Studies look at the ways they might affect cardiovascular health, stroke risk, triglyceride levels, depression symptoms, Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD and eye health just to name a few. Some results are more promising than others.

Omega-3 fats are readily available in nature. Two forms are found in seafood, especially cold-water fish such as salmon, trout and herring. Another form is found in plants such as flaxseed, soybean, chia seeds and walnuts. All forms are beneficial.

Omega-3 supplements are widely available, but when it comes to seafood, the evidence for food vs. supplements seems to favor the food source. That may be because other nutrients found in seafood also promote health. There’s enough evidence that the current Federal Government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends adults eat 8 ounces or more of a variety of seafood per week for all the nutrients seafood provides.

I prefer to get my omega-3 fats from food, so I regularly consume fish, flaxseed, nuts and soy products. The following salmon recipe is one I often prepare:

Simple Salmon

• 1 lb. skin on salmon filet
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp. onion powder
• 1/8 tsp. garlic powder

Remove the fish from the refrigerator so that it can sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare baking sheet by spraying with cooking spray or line the baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick aluminum foil (my preference for easy cleanup).

Pat the fish dry on both sides with paper towels and place the filet on the baking sheet, skin side down. If the filet is a lot thinner at one end, fold that end under so the filet is about the same thickness from end to end.

Combine the seasonings and sprinkle over the top of the filet. Place the baking sheet on the top rack of the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Check for doneness by flaking with a fork or use a thermometer. The fish should flake easily and be opaque in the center. If using a meat thermometer, I take it out when the thermometer reads 130 to 135 degrees. Once out of the oven, cover and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Despite the many food sources of omega-3 fats, many people choose supplements. If you think you need one, have a discussion with your doctor. Keep in mind that the supplement industry is not well regulated. If your doctor suggests supplementation, you should look for a brand that does third-party testing to ensure the highest quality.

• Sherry DeWalt is the healthy lifestyles coordinator for the CGH Health Foundation in Sterling.