Does a daily postbiotic help active adults digest protein better?
Official title: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study Evaluating the Effects of Postbiotics on Protein Utilization, Body Composition, and Gut Microbiota in Adults
Run by Wecare Probiotics Co., Ltd. · NCT07900204 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether taking a daily postbiotic for 12 weeks improves blood levels of essential amino acids after a protein-rich meal in healthy, physically active adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Wecare Probiotics Co., Ltd. Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 1 site (Zhengzhou, Henan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 14, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 6, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 6, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07900204 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults 18–45 who train at least three times per week, have stable weight, and are willing to maintain current habits for 12 weeks.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with recent antibiotics/probiotics use, significant GI disorders, or those taking protein supplements may not experience benefit or could be excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study assigns healthy adults aged 18–45 who train regularly to receive either a daily postbiotic supplement or a placebo for 12 weeks. Participants will eat meals with protein and provide blood and stool samples, plus body composition and strength tests, to see if the postbiotic increases amino acid availability after eating. Regular health checks and dietary/exercise monitoring will help ensure consistent conditions. The study uses inactivated probiotics as the postbiotic and compares outcomes to placebo to determine any added benefit on protein utilization.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the postbiotic could help active individuals derive more amino acids from dietary protein.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research on probiotics and postbiotics has shown mixed results; this study explores a novel application focused on postbiotic protein utilization in active adults.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age: 18-45 years; open to all genders; 2. Body weight has remained stable over the preceding 3 months (change \< 5%); 3. Willing to maintain their previous dietary and exercise habits with minimal change during the study period; 4. Have maintained regular training over the past 3 months, with an average of ≥ 3 sessions/week and each session lasting ≥ 30 minutes; 5. Voluntarily participate and sign a written informed consent form, and be able to complete follow-up visits, blood sampling, stool sampling, and questionnaire completion as required. Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of or current presence of severe gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, significant malabsorption following gastrointestinal surgery), or other conditions that the investigator deems likely to affect nutrient absorption or the assessment of intestinal parameters; 2. Use of antibiotics or probiotics within the past 4 weeks; 3. Use of any protein powder, BCAA, creatine, HMB, etc., within the past 4 weeks; 4. Use of medications that affect protein metabolism (e.g., glucocorticoids, androgenic drugs) within the past 4 weeks; 5. Presence of severe cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, or metabolic disorders (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes mellitus), or conditions that contraindicate participation in the physical performance test; 6. History of severe musculoskeletal injury or recent surgery within the past 3 months; 7. Pregnancy or lactation status; 8. Other conditions under which the investigator deems participation in this study unsuitable, or where adherence to study protocols is unlikely.
Where it's running
-
Henan University of Technology
Zhengzhou, Henan, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Fei Xu
- Email: xu.fei@haut.edu.cn
- Phone: + 86 13671979116
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.