The probiotic BC30 (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086) has been shown to improve protein absorption from plant sources, according to a clinical study presented at the annual conference of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). The full study is expected to be published in a scientific journal in late 2022 or early 2023.

Part of Kerry’s ProActive Health Portfolio, BC30 is a patented spore-forming probiotic which can be used in a range of food and beverage products. It is backed by over 25 published papers, including a 2020 study demonstrating that it supports protein absorption from milk protein concentrate.

The new findings are significant for food and beverage manufacturers, Kerry said, because they demonstrate potential to offer an additional benefit in plant-based products containing BC30. For example, there may be opportunities for products targeting seniors, who typically require higher protein intake to maintain muscle mass, as well as vegetarians, vegans, and athletes.

The double-blind randomized study was carried out over a two-week period, with 30 healthy women between the ages of 50 and 70. Each consumed a daily plant-based beverage containing 20 g of protein, sourced from a combination of pea and rice proteins, either with or without 1 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) of BC30.

After the final dose, blood samples were analyzed for amino acid concentrations. Over the whole course of the measurement period, subjects in the BC30 group showed significantly higher values for total amino acids and total essential amino acids, as well as significantly higher than average levels of certain individual amino acids. The BC30 group also showed higher maximum concentrations of total amino acids, essential amino acids, and several individual amino acids. ​
 
“Previous research has indicated the potential of BC30 to support protein absorption from plant-based sources, but this is the first human clinical study to do so,” said John Quilter, Kerry vice president of global portfolio – ProActive Health. “We’re now able to say that BC30 supports protein absorption from both dairy and plant sources.”

The study was carried out by researchers at the Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory at the School of Health Sciences at Lindenwood University, Missouri, led by Dr Chad Kerksick, Associate Professor of Exercise Science.