Lactobacillus plantarum Boosts Endurance and Shields Against Oxidative Stress in Athletes

A new study published in J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. (2025) reveals that four weeks of daily supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum (10 billion CFU) can significantly boost endurance performance and protect against oxidative stress in recreational athletes. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 22 active individuals, those receiving the probiotic showed marked improvement in the YOYO IR1 test—a key measure of aerobic capacity—while the placebo group experienced a significant drop in Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) after strenuous exercise. These findings highlight the potential of Lactobacillus plantarum to enhance sports performance and support recovery through improved oxidative balance.

Source: https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/2/131