Effects of probiotic supplementation on performance of resistance and aerobic exercises: a systematic review.

This systematic review evaluates the effects of probiotic supplementation on athletic performance, focusing on both resistance and aerobic exercise. Analyzing 17 randomized clinical trials involving 496 healthy adults (mostly male athletes and recreational exercisers), the review found limited and inconsistent evidence that probiotics improve performance outcomes such as strength or aerobic capacity. While some studies reported benefits like increased time to exhaustion or strength gains—often involving strains like *Lactobacillus acidophilus* and *Lactobacillus plantarum*—most showed no significant effects, and many had moderate to high risk of bias. The review concludes that current evidence is insufficient to support probiotics as ergogenic aids, though potential benefits on intestinal permeability, immune modulation, and reduction of upper respiratory tract symptoms were noted, warranting further well-controlled research.