A new study in Frontiers in Physiology has revealed promising results for college students seeking to improve their recovery and performance after intense exercise: the combined use of probiotic supplements and regular aerobic exercise markedly enhances the body’s antioxidant capacity, reducing exercise-induced stress and boosting aerobic fitness. The findings point to a practical, science-backed strategy for young people in Thailand and beyond who face the demands of academic and physical activities, potentially reshaping future training and recovery habits among university populations.
Worldwide, college students increasingly face physically demanding schedules—balancing classes, work, and sports, often with little time to recover. High-intensity workouts, while beneficial for cardiovascular fitness, can ramp up production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress, muscle fatigue, and reduced performance. This stress, if unmitigated, can have longer-term health and performance implications. Thus, interventions that safely enhance the body’s natural antioxidant defences are of special interest, not only to student athletes but to any young person striving for peak wellness.
The new study, conducted at Beijing Sport University and published on June 2, 2025, examined 30 untrained male college students divided into three groups: a placebo group, a group taking a daily probiotic supplement, and a group taking the same probiotic while undertaking moderate aerobic exercise three times weekly. Over six weeks, participants’ diets remained unchanged except for restricted intake of other fermented foods. Various health and performance indicators were measured before and after the intervention, including antioxidant enzyme activities, oxidative stress biomarkers, blood rheology, and aerobic capacity.
Probiotics, often marketed in yoghurt and supplements—such as those from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains—are widely recognized for their role in gut health and immune function. Recent research also suggests links to improved antioxidant status. Meanwhile, aerobic exercise, a staple across Thai universities and communities, is already known to enhance cardiovascular and metabolic health. But the question of whether probiotics can synergistically strengthen the antioxidant benefits of exercise, particularly in previously untrained populations, has remained largely unexplored—until now.
Key findings in this experiment showed that both probiotic supplementation alone and in combination with regular aerobic exercise successfully reduced the accumulation of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a prominent marker for oxidative DNA damage, immediately following high-intensity interval exercise. This reduction was more pronounced in the probiotic plus exercise group, which also demonstrated significant increases in antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), crucial for neutralizing ROS. Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels were substantially higher post-intervention in the probiotic and combined groups compared to placebo, indicating the effectiveness of these interventions in fortifying the body against oxidative stress.
Critically, the group undertaking both probiotics and aerobic exercise saw marked improvements not only in antioxidant markers but also in physical performance metrics. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), representing the body’s capacity for aerobic energy production—a gold standard for fitness—rose significantly in the combined group, outpacing the gains from probiotics alone or from a sedentary control. Blood viscosity and plasma viscosity also decreased, signifying smoother blood flow, which is particularly important in Thailand’s hot climate, where efficient circulation aids cooling and reduces cardiovascular strain during physical activities.
The study’s authors suggest that probiotics may help regulate the oxidative stress response primarily by boosting antioxidant defences like SOD and T-AOC, especially during post-exercise recovery. These findings are supported by past work in athletes, but the present research underscores that even untrained students can achieve these benefits. The gut microbiome’s role is highlighted as a potential mediator, with probiotics supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria and production of short-chain fatty acids, which have systemic anti-inflammatory effects. While this study did not directly assess microbiome composition, prior trials using similar strains have reported such beneficial bacterial shifts.
A practical implication for readers in Thailand is that a simple daily routine—a probiotic supplement plus moderate-intensity activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or aerobics—can substantially mitigate the negative effects of occasional high-intensity exercise. For young people preparing for competitive sports, university tournaments, or simply staying active, this approach could mean better endurance, faster recovery, and improved overall wellness. Thai universities, where student gyms and aerobic dance classes are popular, may consider promoting probiotic-rich foods in canteens and educating on their synergistic role with exercise.
“Probiotic supplementation combined with aerobic exercise is more effective than probiotic supplementation alone in enhancing the antioxidant capacity of the body,” concluded the authors. They further observed that both strategies performed equally well in mitigating oxidative stress caused by single episodes of intense activity. “Increases in VO2max and [lactic acid elimination rate] following high-intensity interval exercise were observed only in the group that combined probiotics with aerobic exercise, not in the probiotic-only group. This research offers novel scientific insights… recommending the integration of probiotics with aerobic exercise in daily training regimens to optimize post-exercise recovery.” (Frontiers in Physiology)
For Thailand, where heat, humidity, and a robust sporting culture make optimal physical performance a regular challenge, these findings carry particular significance. The tropical environment intensifies the need for efficient recovery and fluid circulation. Blood viscosity improvements, highlighted in the study, could lessen the risk of heat-related fatigue or dehydration complications, especially during the hot season—an issue of growing concern in Thai public health campaigns and university wellness programs.
The tradition of consuming fermented foods such as “nam pla ra” or as part of “som tam” salads, historically made in home or village settings, already provides Thais with a dietary source of live bacteria. However, commercial probiotic supplements often offer higher and more consistent concentrations and specific beneficial strains. The study’s standardized use of Lactobacillus casei Zhang, Bifidobacterium lactis V9, and Lactobacillus plantarum P-8 aligns with strains found in some commercial Thai products, suggesting potential for local application.
Despite these encouraging findings, experts note several limitations. The study included only male students, and only three probiotic strains. Its relatively small sample size (30 participants) and lack of a group using aerobic exercise alone mean that while the benefit of combination is strong, further research should determine how much each element contributes independently. Also, the absence of direct gut microbiome measurements leaves open questions about the precise mechanisms behind the benefits.
Nevertheless, the study sets an important precedent for future research in Thailand, particularly given the country’s focus on expanding sports science programs and its longstanding reverence for both traditional exercise and fermented foods. Thai health authorities may find value in further testing the role of locally available probiotic strains and aerobic activities tailored to different age groups and genders. With the rising popularity of school and university-level competitive events, nationwide athletic meets, and community aerobic fitness campaigns featured in everything from central Bangkok gyms to rural festivals, the broader public health implications are considerable.
Looking ahead, as researchers call for larger, more diverse trials—including women and different age ranges—Thai institutions could take a leadership role in adapting findings for local practices, integrating probiotic and exercise education into university curricula, wellness programs, and even Ministry of Education guidelines. Sports coaches and physical education teachers may encourage students not only to prioritize regular aerobic activity but also to consider dietary strategies that support recovery—an idea supported by traditional wisdom and now by modern science.
For readers interested in actionable steps, experts recommend:
- Incorporating moderate aerobic exercise (30 minutes, three times per week) such as cycling, brisk walking, or swimming, which can be done in groups or as part of organized university activities.
- Consuming probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, or commercial supplements with proven strains (ideally those used in scientific studies).
- Staying hydrated—especially in the Thai climate—to maximize the circulatory benefits and minimize the risk of dehydration-related complications.
- Consulting with school or university nutrition advisors about safe and effective probiotic use, particularly for those with underlying health conditions or on antibiotics.
With synergy evident between tradition and scientific innovation, Thailand’s next generation of students and athletes are poised to benefit from ancient wisdom reimagined through contemporary research.
For further reading and the complete study, visit Frontiers in Physiology.