A new in vitro study has demonstrated Symprove’s ability to bacteria thrive within the gut and modulate the immune system through production of short-chain fatty acids, particularly butyrate, and inflammatory markers.
Published in the International Journal of Pharmacology, the study was led by Prof Simon Gaisford at University College London (UCL) who worked closely with ProDigest (a Belgian company specialising in gut microbiome research) and Dr Rangan Chatterjee, medical doctor and media personality passionate about lifestyle medicine.
Previous work by Prof Simon Gaisford at UCL demonstrated that Symprove outperformed 7 other leading probiotic brands in it’s ability to deliver live and active bacteria to the gut. Researchers therefore wanted to understand more about the mechanism of action of Symprove’s unique water-based solution using a gut simulator model in the laboratory.
The study demonstrated that Symprove bacteria were able to survive stomach acid, with 99.3% of bacteria reaching the gut alive. Upon reaching the gut, the bacteria thrive, producing lactate and short-chain fatty acids particularly butyrate. Lactate feeds other good commensal bacteria in the gut, improving bacterial diversity within the gut microbiota, including beneficial bacterial species like Bifidobacterium. Short-chain fatty acids are considered a key marker of gut health, with butyrate having a significant role in supporting the gut wall and wound healing.
Additionally, Symprove was shown to reduce inflammation through increased production of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-10) and reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines (MCP-1, CXCL 10 and IL-8).
Researchers concluded that it’s not the probiotic species alone do not result in a clinical effect; rather, they facilitate modulation of the gut microbiota composition and metabolic activity thereby influencing the immune response. This study helps to explain the positive effects seen within clinical studies.
Prof Simon Gaisford said: "This study further demonstrates the benefits of Symprove as a water-based probiotic and it’s ability to deliver live and active bacteria to gut. The change in bacterial diversity, short-chain fatty acid production and anti-inflammatory effect are all key proof points of Symprove’s efficacy.”
The full published paper is available in the International Journal of Pharmacology (Moens F, et al. International Journal of Pharmacology. 2019;555:1-10).
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
