The Impact of Probiotic Supplementation on Physical Performance: A Systematic Review of Studies from 2021–2026

Aleksandra Iga Pociej; Arina Drobashko; Nikola Murawska; Kamil Wójcik; Julia Kępska; Wiktor Kowalczyk; Weronika Olech; Aneta Synakiewicz; Natalia Lewińska

doi:10.12775/JEHS.2026.93.72602

Authors

Aleksandra Iga Pociej Prof. Tadeusz Sokołowski’s University Clinical Hospital no. 1 of the Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9476-0280
Arina Drobashko Medical University of Gdańsk, Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie 3a, 80-210 Gdańsk https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7251-3434
Nikola Murawska University Clinical Centre, Gdańsk, Poland Dębinki 7, 80-952 Gdańsk https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5632-9739
Kamil Wójcik Copernicus Medical Entity Ltd., Nicolaus Copernicus Hospital, Gdańsk, Poland, Nowe Ogrody 1, 80-803 Gdańsk https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2846-4236
Julia Kępska University Clinical Centre, Gdańsk, Poland Dębinki 7, 80-952 Gdańsk https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8506-6270
Wiktor Kowalczyk Copernicus PL Sp. z o.o., St. Adalbert Hospital, Gdańsk, Poland Aleja Jana Pawła II 50, 80-462 Gdańsk https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2166-6432
Weronika Olech Copernicus PL Sp. z o.o., St. Adalbert Hospital, Gdańsk, Poland Aleja Jana Pawła II 50, 80-462 Gdańsk https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8883-3769
Aneta Synakiewicz Poznan University of Medical Sciences Collegium Maius, Poznań, Poland ul. Fredry 10, 61-701 Poznań https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4923-4628
Natalia Lewińska University Clinical Center in Gdansk, Poland Debinki 7, 80-952 Gdańsk https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3222-1809

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2026.93.72602

Keywords

gut microbiota, probiotics, athletic performance, gut-muscle axis, postbiotics

Abstract

Background: Physical activity promotes health and positively modulates the gut microbiota. Evidence suggests a "gut-muscle axis" through which probiotic supplementation may enhance athletic performance. Results across direct performance indicators remain inconclusive due to variations in strains and dosages.

Aim: This review aims to evaluate studies on the impact of probiotic supplementation on physical performance.

Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus databases. The search strategy followed PRISMA guidelines. Studies published between 2021 to 2026 were included based on the PICO framework: healthy adults, oral probiotic intervention, placebo control, and validated physical performance outcomes.

Results: The analysis indicates that probiotics significantly improve muscular strength, explosive power, and aerobic capacity, particularly when administered as multi-strain formulations or in synergy with other nutrients. Probiotics also effectively attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage, accelerating the recovery. Single-strain interventions and protocols in elite athletes often showed limited effects. High-dose protocols lasting over 8 weeks were the most beneficial.

Conclusions: Probiotic supplementation is an effective strategy to support athletic performance and recovery, with its potential significantly amplified through synbiotic combinations. Mechanisms include increased short-chain fatty acid production and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation. Future research must address current limitations, including the lack of female cohorts, small sample sizes, and the need for standardized postbiotic protocols.

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The Impact of Probiotic Supplementation on Physical Performance: A Systematic Review of Studies from 2021–2026

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