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The effect of Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 supplementation on plasma amino acid levels and muscle strength in resistance trained males consuming whey protein: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 supplementation on absorption and utilization of protein in resistance-trained males.

Methods

In this double blind, placebo-control trial, resistance-trained males (21.08 ± 2.84 years) were randomized to consume, either 20 g of whey protein powder {80% whey protein concentrate (WPC80), amounting to 15.4 g protein} with 2 billion CFU Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 (supplemental group) or 20 g of whey protein powder and lactose instead of Bacillus coagulans (placebo group) once daily for 60 days with a controlled resistance exercise protocol. The whey protein concentrate (WPC-80) given to both groups had a lactose content of 6.8%. Plasma-free amino acids (PFAAs) were determined at baseline, at 30 and 60 days of supplementation. Muscle strength, hypertrophy, VO2 max, and body composition, and other biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and end line.

Results

A positive effect of probiotic Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 supplementation was observed on protein absorption as evidenced by an increase in total PFAA by + 16.1% (p = 0.004). Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) comprising isoleucine (p = 0.016), leucine (p = 0.001), and valine (p = 0.002) were increased by + 33.1% in ITT analysis as compared to placebo after 60 days. At 30 days an increase in isoleucine by + 35% (p = 0.113), leucine by + 43% (p = 0.032), and valine by + 32% (p = 0.017) was observed in ITT analysis. Probiotic effect was shown on exercise performance as evidenced by an increase in one RM of leg press and vertical jump power by + 16.61% (p = 0.024) and + 7.86% (p = 0.007), respectively.

Conclusion

Significantly increased absorption of BCAA with supplementation of B. coagulans Unique IS-2 along with whey protein and improvement in leg press and vertical jump power was noted indicating the positive effect of the probiotic on muscle power in the lower body.

Trial registration number

CTRI/2017/03/008117; Date:16.03.2017.

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Data availability

Data will be available on request.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all the members involved in the fieldwork, especially Mr. Abhishek Dwivedi, Mr. Libu John, and Mr. Rajesh Kumar for monitoring compliance and exercise protocol. We also gratefully acknowledge all study participants for their collaboration.

Funding

This work was supported by the Unique Biotech Ltd. The funding bodies had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cardiac Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India

    Mohamad Tarik & Lakshmy Ramakrishnan

  2. Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India

    Nidhi Bhatia & Reena Rajan

  3. Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India

    Ravindra Goswami

  4. Department of Radiodiagnosis, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India

    Devasenathipathy Kandasamy

  5. Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India

    Atanu Roy & Dinu S. Chandran

  6. Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India

    Archna Singh

  7. Department of Biostatistics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India

    Ashish Datt Upadhyay & Mani Kalaivani

  8. Centre for Research & Development, Unique Biotech Ltd., Alexandria Knowledge Park, Hyderabad, 500038, Telangana, India

    Jayanthi Neelamraju & Ratna Sudha Madempudi

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  1. Mohamad Tarik
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  2. Lakshmy Ramakrishnan
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Contributions

MT participated in the design of experiment, contributed to data collection and data analysis; and drafted the manuscript. RL was involved in the design of the study and critical amendments; NB participated in the design of the study and contributed towards the recruitment of the participants and data collection. RG, DK, AR, and DSC contributed to data collection; ADU and MK helped in data analysis and interpretation of results. AS, JN, RSM, and RR contributed in the evaluation of the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript, and agree with the order of presentation of the authors.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lakshmy Ramakrishnan.

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Tarik, M., Ramakrishnan, L., Bhatia, N. et al. The effect of Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 supplementation on plasma amino acid levels and muscle strength in resistance trained males consuming whey protein: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eur J Nutr 61, 2673–2685 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-022-02844-9

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