# Effects of Limosilactobacillus reuteri ID-D01 Probiotic Supplementation on Exercise Performance and Gut Microbiota in Sprague-Dawley Rats

## TL;DR

This study shows that a human-derived probiotic improves exercise performance in rats by altering gut bacteria and increasing beneficial short-chain fatty acids.

## Contribution

The novel finding is that L. reuteri ID-D01 supplementation enhances endurance and reduces fatigue in rats through gut microbiota and SCFA changes.

## Key findings

- ID-D01 supplementation increased maximal running distance in rats compared to controls.
- Probiotic administration reduced fatigue markers like lactate and creatine phosphokinase.
- ID-D01 increased SCFA-producing bacteria and SCFA levels, including acetate and butyrate.

## Abstract

The gut microbiota composition in animals and humans has recently been found to be influenced by exercise. Although Limosilactobacillus reuteri strains have notable probiotic properties that promote human health, understanding of its effects in combination with exercise and physical activity is limited. Therefore, this study examined the effects of L. reuteri ID-D01, a human-derived probiotic, on exercise performance and fatigue in Sprague-Dawley rats. Organ weight, maximal running distance, serum biochemistry, muscle performance, microbial community composition, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels were assessed. Results indicated that ID-D01 supplementation significantly improved endurance performance. Rats in the probiotic group demonstrated a significant increase in maximal running distance compared with that in the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, levels of fatigue markers, such as lactate and creatine phosphokinase, were significantly reduced in the ID-D01-administered groups, suggesting its potential to alleviate exercise-induced fatigue. Microbiome analysis revealed a distinct shift in gut microbiota composition in response to ID-D01 administration. The group that received ID-D01 probiotics exhibited a significant increase in the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria, particularly Akkermansia spp., compared with that in the control groups. Furthermore, they showed elevated production of SCFAs, such as acetate and butyrate. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that ID-D01 can enhance exercise performance and reduce fatigue. Herein, we highlighted that human-derived probiotics could improve physical performance, as observed by changes in gut microbiota composition and SCFA production.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12602-024-10257-9.