Postbiotics: the new supplement for faster workout recovery?
NCT ID NCT06428656
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at whether taking a postbiotic supplement for four weeks can change gut bacteria and reduce inflammation and muscle damage after intense downhill running. Fifteen physically active adults took either the supplement or a placebo, then switched after a break. Researchers measured gut health, blood markers, and muscle soreness to see if postbiotics help recovery.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- postbiotics (dietary supplement)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a natural supplement to help athletes recover faster and reduce muscle soreness after hard workouts.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-stage study with only 15 participants. Results may not apply to everyone, and the supplement might not show any benefit over placebo.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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15 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jun 2024
- Finished
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Dec 2024
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 45 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Physically active subjects (VO2max ≥35ml/kg/min) * Absence of musculoskeletal injury (≥6 months) * Abstinence from the use of ergogenic supplements (≥1 month) * Abstinence from anti-inflammatory drugs (≥1 month) * Abstinence from pre-pro-postbiotic supplements (≥6 months) * Abstinence from participating in exercise with eccentric content for at least 7 days before exercise * Abstinence from alcohol and energy drinks before exercise Exclusion Criteria: * Recent history of musculoskeletal injury (\<6 months) * Use of ergogenic performance supplements (\<1 month) * Taking anti-inflammatory drugs (\<1 month) * Taking pre-pro-postbiotic supplements (\<6 months) * Participation in exercise with eccentric content in the previous 7 days before exercise * Consumption of alcohol and energy drinks before exercise
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Uninersity of Thessaly
Trikala, Thessaly, 42100, Greece