Clinical trial examines effects of synbiotic blend for post-COVID-19 chronic fatigue syndrome

In a recent press release, dsm-firmenich announced results from a clinical trial examining the effects of synbiotics on post-COVID-19 chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Symptoms of the condition include general fatigue, post-exercise malaise, and poor sleep. As the press release explained, CFS can also result from high stress or from other viral or bacterial infections. The clinical trial¹, “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,” was published in the European Journal of Nutrition.

The three-month study involved 26 post-COVID participants who were given either a placebo or a mix of synbiotics. The synbiotic blend used contained L. rhamnosus DSM 32550, Humiome L. plantarum DSM 34532, B. lactis DSM 32269, B. longum DSM 32946, fructooligosaccharides, and zinc. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was also used to measure changes in brain metabolites.

Highlighted results include:

• Both groups demonstrated a reduction in general fatigue compared to baseline, though the synbiotic blend demonstrated greater decrease in post-exercise malaise
• Increased choline levels in the thalamus along with creatine levels at left frontal white matter and left frontal grey matter were seen in the synbiotic group more consistently than in the placebo group

Ultimately, the supplementation was found to improve tissue metabolism and mitigate clinical features.

“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,” stated Robert E. Steinert, HNC Principal Scientist at dsm-firmenich, in the press release. “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.”

Reference

1. Ranisavljev, M.; Stajer, V.; Todorovic, N.; Ostojic, J.; Cvejic, JH.; Ostojic, SM. 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. Eur J Nutr. 2025. DOI: 10.1007/s00394-024-03546-0.