Lactobacillus salivarius UCC118 and Reduced Fatigue

Research synthesisVery low evidenceModerate effect3 studies · 3 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects of Lactobacillus salivarius UCC118 on reducing fatigue, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. One study (animal model) found statistically significant reductions in fatigue biomarkers (lactate, BUN, ammonia, creatine kinase). The evidence is drawn from one animal trial and two narrative reviews, with no consistent dose, form, or population data reported across studies.

Studied populations: Male ICR mice (animal study); general exercise/fatigue populations in reviews

Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 3 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. Two of three studies are narrative reviews, not primary interventional trials. Only one study (animal) reported statistical significance. No human clinical trial data specific to Lactobacillus salivarius UCC118 and fatigue were identified. Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed).

Generated May 12, 2026

3 of 3 papersPopulation:

Gut Microbiota and Exercise-Induced Fatigue: A Narrative Review of Mechanisms, Nutritional Interventions, and Future Directions.
- 2026-02-02
- Review
- Nutrients 18(3)
- - Zhengxin Zhao
  - Shengwei Zhao
  - Wenli Li
  - Zheng Lai
  - Yang Zhou
  - Feng Guan
  - Xu Liang
  - Jiawei Zhang
  - Linding Wang
- PubMed: 41683324
- DOI: 10.3390/nu18030502
3 Insights on
- Reduced Fatigue
- Moderate evidence
- Rigorous Journal
Current evidence supports a mechanistic role of the gut microbiota in EIF and highlights microbiota-targeted nutrition as a promising adjunct for recovery optimization
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Gut Microbiota and Exercise: Probiotics to Modify the Composition and Roles of the Gut Microbiota in the Context of 3P Medicine.
- 2025-05-03
- Review
- Microbial ecology 88(1)
- - Yongfu Liu
  - Yuting Hu
  - Baolei Ma
  - Zijun Wang
  - Bowen Wei
- PubMed: 40319213
- DOI: 10.1007/s00248-025-02529-w
2 Insights on
- Reduced Fatigue
- Low evidence
This review explores the mechanisms through which probiotics may enhance exercise performance, mitigate exercise-induced fatigue, and improve physiological adaptation via modulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic signaling pathways.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus salivarius Subspecies salicinius SA-03 is a New Probiotic Capable of Enhancing Exercise Performance and Decreasing Fatigue
- 2020-04-09
- Microorganisms 8(4)
- - Mon-Chien Lee
  - Y. Hsu
  - H. Ho
  - Shih‐Hung Hsieh
  - Y. Kuo
  - Hsin‐Ching Sung
  - Chi-Chang Huang
- PubMed: 32283729
- DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8040545
13 Insights on
- Reduced Fatigue
- Low evidence
- Rigorous Journal
- Clinical
decreased lactate, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), ammonia, and creatine kinase (CK) levels after exercise
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Significant
Yes

Lactobacillus salivarius UCC118 and Reduced Fatigue

Gut Microbiota and Exercise-Induced Fatigue: A Narrative Review of Mechanisms, Nutritional Interventions, and Future Directions.

Gut Microbiota and Exercise: Probiotics to Modify the Composition and Roles of the Gut Microbiota in the Context of 3P Medicine.

Lactobacillus salivarius Subspecies salicinius SA-03 is a New Probiotic Capable of Enhancing Exercise Performance and Decreasing Fatigue