A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effects of a Probiotic Containing Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175 on Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Metabolomic Profiles in Female Dancers

Abstract

Dancers experience physical and psychological stressors that can impact gut health. We hypothesized that a three-month supplementation with Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175 would result in measurable alterations in the fecal metabolomic profile and improve gastrointestinal symptomatology in dancers. Of the 51 volunteers, 26 female dancers were randomized to a 12-week trial (NCT05567653). A homogenous group of 16 (probiotic: n = 5; placebo: n = 11) was analyzed. The participants received L. helveticus R0052 and B. longum R0175 (3 × 10⁹ colony-forming units/day) or a placebo. Baseline dietary intake and body composition were recorded. Fecal samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed with the Rome IV questionnaire. Statistical methods included principal component analysis, mixed-effects models, and analysis of variance-simultaneous component analysis (ASCA). The study revealed shifts in the probiotic group's fecal metabolome (permutation test p = 0.026), including a reduction in (2RS)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid (p = 0.023). No improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms was observed. No adverse events occurred. L. helveticus R0052 and B. longum R0175 may alter the gut metabolome, notably (2RS)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, but small sample size and absent symptom improvement limit the conclusions. Larger studies with varied doses and blood metabolite analysis are needed to confirm relevance.

Keywords: Bifidobacterium longum R0175; Lactobacillus helveticus R0052; gut metabolome; probiotics; sports nutrition.

Figure 1

Principal component analysis (PCA) of metabolic profiles at baseline and post-intervention in the placebo and probiotic groups (A—placebo, B—probiotic). The PCA plot shows individual samples clustered by intervention group and time point.

Figure 2

Heatmap of log-transformed metabolite values for placebo and probiotic groups (metabolite list available in Supplementary Materials). Rows represent metabolites, columns—individual samples. Color coding shows concentration differences (red = higher, blue = lower). Clustering indicates metabolic shifts due to the intervention. The heatmap displays log-transformed (non-normalized) metabolite intensities; negative values represent low-concentration features with intensity values below 1 prior to transformation.

Figure 3

Predictor effect plot (A) and MEBA (B): intervention and time effects on (2RS)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid.

Figure 4

Study inclusion flow diagram. The diagram illustrates the recruitment process, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and final participant distribution into the placebo (PLA) and probiotic (PRO) groups.