A new study published in Movement Disorders is adding to growing scientific interest in the relationship between the gut microbiome and neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
The research investigated the effects of Symprove, the multi-strain live and active bacteria supplement, on gut microbiota composition, inflammatory markers and symptoms in people living with Parkinson’s disease.
Gastrointestinal symptoms are among the most common non-motor features of Parkinson’s disease and can significantly affect quality of life. Increasingly, scientists are exploring how disruptions in the gut microbiome may be linked to inflammation, constipation, and motor and non-motor symptoms for people with the condition.
In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 74 adults with Parkinson’s disease and constipation were assigned to receive either the four-strain probiotic formulation found in Symprove or a placebo.
Across the intervention period, researchers evaluated a range of outcomes including gut microbiota composition, systemic inflammatory markers and non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Participants taking the probiotic formulation showed measurable changes in gut microbiota composition compared with those receiving placebo, including increases in bacterial groups associated with beneficial metabolic activity. The study also reported reductions in markers of systemic inflammation.
Alongside these biological changes, improvements were observed in gastrointestinal symptoms including constipation severity. Participants receiving the probiotic also demonstrated improvements in aspects of fatigue and overall non-motor symptom burden compared with placebo.
While further research is needed to confirm and extend these findings, the study provides early evidence that changes in the gut microbiota may influence inflammation and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease.
The full published paper is available in Movement Disorders (Leta V, et al. Movement Disorders. 2025;40(12):2710-2721).
About Symprove:
Symprove is the UK's No.1 live and active bacteria supplement*.
Founded in 1986, Symprove has spent decades investing in independent scientific research to help build a better understanding of the gut microbiome and the role it plays in overall health.
Unlike many supplements, Symprove's unique water-based formula is designed to deliver live and active bacteria to the gut, where they can have the greatest impact. It contains four strains of live and active bacteria, is suitable for everyday use and is free from dairy, gluten and artificial additives.
Today, Symprove is available on subscription from symprove.com and at leading UK retailers including Tesco, Boots, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Superdrug, and Holland & Barrett.
For more information, visit www.symprove.com.
For samples or more information, please get in touch with press@symprove.com or call 01252 413 600.
* Source Euromonitor International Ltd; Consumer Health 2026ed., Symprove retail value sales, UK 2025 data
