Clasado Biosciences Highlights Bimuno GOS Potential for Gut and Immune Support in Athletes

Clasado Biosciences announced newly published research on the potential of its prebiotic galactooligosaccharide (GOS) ingredient, Bimuno GOS, to support gut health and immune function in athletic populations. The findings contribute to a growing interest in digestive and immune health in performance, recovery, and overall athlete resilience, a March 30 press release from the company explains.¹

Study Details and Results

The new study—a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in male football athletes—investigated the effects of six-week supplementation with Bimuno GOS on gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, upper respiratory symptoms, and exercise-related outcomes.² Results suggested potential benefits for supporting athlete wellness and availability, highlighting the need for further research in larger cohorts to establish a mechanism of action for the prebiotic.

Clasado highlighted key results demonstrated by the end of the study, including:

• a 38% reduction in intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), a biomarker associated with GI and immune function
• a reduction in GI symptoms and of average days of upper respiratory symptoms and, as measured by self-reported questionnaires
• an increase in Salivary IgA, an immune defense biomarker

The results point to the importance of the intersection between GI wellness and immune support for athletes. “The findings build on the emerging picture of how prebiotics can influence athlete health and performance through improving availability for training and competitions,” stated Neil Williams, Senior Lecturer at Nottingham Trent University, and lead investigator of the study. “By supporting gut barrier integrity and immune responses under physical stress, prebiotics can help to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms and support immune function, therefore potentially reducing the health issues faced by athletes.”

The findings in this study align with earlier research in elite athletes, where Bimuno GOS supplementation demonstrated clear effects on immune and gastrointestinal markers. In a 24-week study of professional rugby players, daily intake of Bimuno GOS reduced the duration of upper respiratory symptoms by 24% and lowered the severity of GI complaints—both critical factors influencing training consistency and performance availability.³

Bimuno GOS Applications

The patented Bimuno GOS is a food source for beneficial bacteria, particularly bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. It has also been studied extensively, Clasado adds, noting the 125 scientific publications that include more than 20 clinical trials. The ingredient is suitable for applications including powder blends, protein powders, sports RTD, tablets and functional foods.

The formulation flexibility and the support of clinical research on Bimuno GOS is noted as an opportonuty for new products. “The latest published study builds on the strong scientific foundation of Bimuno GOS,” explained Lucien Harthoorn, R&D Director at Clasado. “For formulators in sports nutrition, it’s a highly compelling proposition – clinical efficacy in athlete cohorts combined with increasing awareness of gut health from performance-conscious consumers. Bimuno GOS delivers on all fronts.”

Market Significance

The latest findings underscore a broader trend: the convergence of gut health and sports nutrition. The researchers note that continuous or intermittent exercise has been shown by some studies to result in immune suppression and increased intestinal epithelia injury. Additionally, GI issues and upper respiratory symptoms are significant contributors to absences in team sports. As understanding of the gut-muscle and gut-immune axes continues to evolve, prebiotics are emerging as a valuable tool for addressing multifactorial challenges faced by athletes—from GI discomfort to immune resilience.

While further research is warranted to confirm benefits across diverse athletic populations, current evidence suggests that targeted prebiotic supplementation could play an increasingly central role in sports nutrition innovation.

This article was created with assistance from AI. The content has been reviewed and edited by Erin McEvoy, Associate Editor. For more information on the extent and nature of AI usage, please contact us.

References

1. Clasado Biosciences. New study shows Bimuno® GOS supports gut barrier integrity and immune health in athletes. Published March 30, 2026. Accessed March 30, 2026. https://clasado.com/bimuno-gos-supports-gut-immune-health-athletes/
2. Parker CJ, Abbott SJ, Butterfield LR,. Hunter KA, Johnson MA, Sharpe GR, et al. Prebiotic Bimuno® GOS reduces illness symptoms and supports gut barrier function and immunity after intermittent exercise in the heat. Experimental Physiology. Published online March 24, 2026; doi: 10.1113/EP092682
3. Clasado Biosciences. New study sheds light on prebiotics’ role in sports nutrition. Published June 22, 2023. Accessed March 30, 2026.