• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Synbiotics emerge as a promising tool for managing extreme fatigue and post-exercise malaise, clinical trial suggests

Asia Food Journal
  • Home
  • Latest News
  • Channels
    • Packaging
    • Processing
    • Ingredients
    • Industry
    • Automation
    • Guest Posts
    • Market Trends
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise
  • Event Calendar
  • Contact Us
    • Submit Guest Posts
Share
Leaderboard of Asia Food Journal




Synbiotics emerge as a promising tool for managing extreme fatigue and post-exercise malaise, clinical trial suggests

May 1, 2025 by Asia Food Journal

Synbiotics

Courtesy of dsm-firmenich

New clinical evidence highlights the potential of three-month synbiotic supplementation in attenuating post-exercise malaise and increasing brain metabolites in adults with post-COVID-19 chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). 

A new randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in the European Journal of Nutritioni has shown that daily supplementation with a synbiotic blend may help to manage key clinical features of post-COVID-19 chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), such as exercise tolerance metabolism in the brain.

Leaderboard of Asia Food Journal

The findings mark a potential breakthrough in nutritional support for consumers looking for a non-medical solution to manage the symptoms of CFS.

Post-COVID-19 CFS is a neurological condition affecting as many as 45% of those previously infected with COVID-19 and has been identified as the most common symptom of ‘long COVID’.ii The syndrome is characterized by extreme fatigue, post-exercise malaise, and unrefreshing sleep, and is often associated with disruptions in the gut microbiome and brain energy metabolism. Although COVID-19 dramatically increases the risk of developing CFS, it can also manifest after other viral or bacterial infections and periods of high stress. 

Synbiotics to manage CFS via the gut-brain-energy axis

This latest clinical trial involved 26 adults with diagnosed post-COVID-19 CFS. One group received a synbiotic blend for three months daily, while the other received a placebo.

Synbiotics were selected for the study due to the gastrointestinal disturbances that are commonly associated with post-COVID-19 CFS, and the possibility that restoration of gut microbiota through dietary supplementation could help to manage chronic fatigue symptoms.

The synbiotic mixture included four strains from dsm-firmenich’s Humiome® portfolio – Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus DSM 32550, Humiome® Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 34532, Bifdobacterium lactis DSM 32269, Bifdobacterium longum DSM 32946, in combination with fructooligosaccharides (2.5 g) and zinc (5 mg). 

Establishing synbiotic success: key results 

The primary objective of the trial was to measure the change in general fatigue from baseline to the three-month follow-up, assessed using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) test, which evaluates key dimensions of fatigue, including physical and mental fatigue, reduced motivation, and reduced activity.

The results showed a significant reduction in post-exercise malaise – where the body is not able to recover, a hallmark symptom of CFS – in the synbiotic group compared to placebo. There was also a marked improvement in brain metabolites, determined using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Higher creatine levels were found, particularly in regions of the brain such as the left frontal white and gray matter, as well as higher choline levels in the thalamus, suggesting enhanced neuronal energy metabolism in the synbiotic group.

Notably, while general fatigue scores decreased in both groups, there was a strong trend within the synbiotic group of reduced concentration difficulties when compared with the placebo group – supporting the idea of a gut-brain-energy axis modifiable by nutritional intervention. 

Opportunity for innovation in fatigue support

“This study offers compelling new evidence that targeted synbiotic supplementation to restore gut microbiota can positively influence brain energy metabolism and can reduce hallmark symptoms of post-viral fatigue syndromes like CFS,” said Robert E. Steinert, HNC Principal Scientist at dsm-firmenich. “Chronic fatigue is a debilitating condition that can severely impact quality of life for those affected by it, with this research marking an important step forward in demonstrating the potential of synbiotics in managing CFS symptoms. It opens the door for greater innovation in development of nutritional supplements and solutions that can provide both a physical and metaphorical boost for CFS patients.” 

Read more about dsm-firmenich’s commitment to advancing science and elevating global health here.  

About dsm-firmenich

As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss company with dual headquarters in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland and Maastricht, Netherlands, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life every day, everywhere, for billions of people.
www.dsm-firmenich.com

i Ranisavljev, Marijana, Valdemar Stajer, Nikola Todorovic, Jelena Ostojic, Jelena Helena Cvejic, Robert E. Steinert, and Sergej M. Ostojic. “The Effects of 3-Month Supplementation with Synbiotic on Patient-Reported Outcomes, Exercise Tolerance, and Brain and Muscle Metabolism in Adult Patients with Post-COVID-19 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (STOP-FATIGUE): A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.” European Journal of Nutrition 64, no. 28 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-024-03546-0.

ii Bonilla, Hector, Tom C. Quach, Anushri Tiwari, Andres E. Bonilla, Mitchell Miglis, Phillip C. Yang, Lauren E. Eggert, et al. “Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Is Common in Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC): Results from a Post-COVID-19 Multidisciplinary Clinic.” Frontiers in Neurology 14 (2023). https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2023.1090747.​

Visited 4 times, 1 visit(s) today

Other Topics: dsm-firmenich, Industry, supplements, Synbiotics

Related Articles

  • sustainable rice farming project in Vietnam

    Courtesy of CC7/Shutterstock

    BENEO joins forces in ambitious sustainable rice farming project in Vietnam
  • Singapore’s most beloved local F&B brands revealed: foodpanda unveils first-ever Local Foodie Heroes Hall of Fame

    Courtesy of foodpanda

    Singapore’s most beloved local F&B brands revealed: foodpanda unveils first-ever Local Foodie Heroes Hall of Fame
  • soy shipment

    Courtesy of COFCO

    First COFCO Responsible Standard soy shipment to Thailand
  • Fi Asia Thailand 2025

    Courtesy of Fi Asia Thailand

    Fi Asia Thailand 2025 registration opens: Asia’s premier international event for food ingredients returns to Bangkok alongside Vitafoods Asia 
  • Chef Aaron Joseph Gulinao

    Courtesy of Barilla

    Chef Aaron Joseph Gulinao to represent Philippines in Barilla Pasta Championship Asia Finals 2025 
  • thaifex anuga

    Courtesy of THAIFEX ANUGA ASIA

    THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2025 soars to new highs, strengthening Thailand’s role as a regional F&B trade hub
Leaderboard of Asia Food Journal

Primary Sidebar

Stay Connected

Your browser does not support the video tag. Learn More

Trending News

  • sustainable sourcingBeverage solutions brand DaVinci Gourmet drives… In a first among global food service beverage brands, DaVinci…
  • Fi Asia Thailand 2025Fi Asia Thailand 2025 registration opens:… Organisers expect a record-breaking showcase of ingredient innovations from 17-19…
  • Restaurant Asia 2025Restaurant Asia 2025: F&B industry gathers at… Co-organised by the Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) and IEG…
  • Immersive Experience HubIFF expands innovation center in Singapore with new… Immersive Hub to accelerate innovation, deepen customer collaboration, and strengthen…
  • greatviewGreatview operates aseptic carton packaging facility… Greatview, a leading global supplier of aseptic carton packaging solutions,…
  • ModulaSENSEdsm-firmenich launches new ModulaSENSE® maskers:… dsm-firmenich, a leading innovator in nutrition, health, and beauty, today…
  • precision fermentationADM and Asahi Group sign exclusive distribution… ADM (NYSE: ADM), a global leader in innovative solutions from…

Subsribe to Our News Letter

Subscribe To
Our Newsletter


By submitting this form, you consent to receive marketing emails from Asia Food Journal. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email.

© 2025 Harvest Information. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.

Disclaimer: Translations on this website are automated using Google Translate. While we strive for accuracy, please be cautious, as machine translations may contain errors. For critical or sensitive content, consider seeking professional human translation. We are not liable for any reliance on the translated content.

Become an F&B industry insider

Your go-to resource for all the latest trends, innovations, and news about the food and beverage industry!

 

By submitting this form, you consent to receive marketing emails from Asia Food Journal. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email.