Researchers have published a laboratory study investigating the effects of the multi-strain liquid probiotic Symprove on the gut microbiome for people with ulcerative colitis.
Published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics, the study was carried out by researchers from King's College Hospital and University College London. Using a validated gut simulator model in the laboratory containing stool samples donated by people with ulcerative colitis, the researchers investigated the effects of Symprove on the gut microbiome, gut barrier function and inflammation.
The study followed earlier clinical research from the same team, which found Symprove reduced faecal calprotectin, a marker of intestinal inflammation, in people with ulcerative colitis compared with placebo in a double-blind, randomised controlled trial. The researchers wanted to better understand the biological changes that may have contributed to those findings.
The researchers found that Symprove positively altered the composition of the gut microbiome, increased production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids and improved markers associated with gut barrier function and inflammation. Improvements were also seen in epithelial wound healing, alongside changes in inflammatory signalling and microbial metabolism.
Prof Ingvar Bjarnason, consultant gastroenterologist and researcher, said “This laboratory study has demonstrated the microbiological effects of Symprove in ulcerative colitis that support the positive results we saw in our clinical trial at King’s College Hospital”.
The full published paper is available in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics (Ghyselinck J, et al. International Journal of Pharmacology. 2020;587:119648).
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
