A laboratory study has investigated whether the multi-strain liquid probiotic Symprove could influence changes to the gut microbiome associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Published in International Journal of Pharmaceutics, the study was carried out by researchers from University College London, Sheffield Hallam University, and King's College Hospital, London.
People with Parkinson’s disease often have gut symptoms, particularly constipation, long before diagnosis. Imbalance in the gut microbiome, also known as ‘dysbiosis’, is thought to play a role in disease progression.
Researchers therefore wanted to understand the effect of Symprove on the gut microbiome using a validated gut simulator model in the laboratory with stool samples donated by people with Parkinson's disease. Specifically, researchers investigated the effects of Symprove on the bacterial composition of the gut microbiome, gut barrier function and inflammation over a 48-hour period.
Compared with healthy controls, the microbiome of people with Parkinson's disease showed clear differences in bacterial composition. Following Symprove supplementation, researchers observed positive changes in bacterial diversity, increased production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids and lactate, improved gut barrier integrity and faster epithelial wound healing. They also reported changes in inflammatory signalling consistent with a healthier gut environment.
The authors conclude that, if disruption of the gut microbiome contributes to the development or progression of Parkinson's disease, an appropriately formulated probiotic could represent a useful addition to standard treatment.
The study formed part of a wider programme of research investigating the role of the gut microbiome in neurological disease, with many of the research group already conducting clinical studies with Symprove at King’s College Hospital and Sheffield Hallam University.
The full published paper is available in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics (Ghyselinck J, et al. International Journal of Pharmaceutics:X. 2021;3:100087).
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
