Probiotic Bacillus coagulans GBI‐30, 6086 Supplementation Improves β‐Hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate Bioavailability

The leucine metabolite β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) has a long, successful history as an ergogenic aid for enhancing strength, performance, body composition, aerobic fitness, and recovery. Probiotic supplements have been associated with improved digestive health, improved immune function, and lower inflammation. Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086, has been linked to improved nutrient absorption, specifically protein digestion, potentially through optimizing gut microbiota composition and increased proteolytic activity. In a prior study, combined supplementation with HMB and B. coagulans GBI-30, 6086 during intense military training attenuated inflammation and helped maintain muscle integrity better than did HMB alone. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of supplementation with the spore-forming probiotic B. coagulans on the kinetics of calcium HMB (CaHMB) and HMB free acid (HMB-FA). We hypothesized that probiotic supplementation would improve the kinetic profile of HMB, thus improving HMB bioavailability. Six male participants (26.5 ± 1.4 years; 76.4 ± 4.9 kg) were randomly assigned to receive 0.8 g of HMB as either CaHMB (n=3) or HMB-FA (n=3) (myHMB, TSI, Missoula, MT). Within 7 days of the first study visit, participants began a 14-day course of daily probiotic supplementation with 2 billion CFU B. coagulans GBI-30, 6086 (Digestive Advantage, Schiff Vitamins, Salt Lake City, UT). We compared HMB (pooled CaHMB and HMB-FA data) pharmacokinetics before (HMB alone, Figure 1) and after the 14-day course of daily probiotic supplementation (HMB + Probiotic, Figure 1). Two weeks of probiotic supplementation increased peak plasma HMB levels by 16% (p < 0.05). Total HMB exposure (area under the curve) was 19% (p < 0.05) higher following probiotic supplementation. Probiotic supplementation did not affect the time to reach peak HMB levels, HMB half-life, or plasma clearance of HMB. Approximately 20% of the consumed HMB dose was excreted in urine over 24 hours, with no effect of probiotic supplementation on HMB excretion (percent excreted = 20 ± 3 and 19 ± 4% before and after probiotic supplementation, respectively). In conclusion, 14 days of probiotic supplementation improved the absorption and bioavailability of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB), which may enhance HMB's effectiveness.