The Effect of Probiotics on Gut Microbiota Changes in Healthy Chinese Adults During Short-Term European Travel: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

With rising living standards, travel has become a common leisure activity. However, environmental changes, altered dietary habits, and disruptions to circadian rhythms during travel can significantly affect gut microbiota, potentially leading to various health issues. Dietary shifts are a primary driver of these alterations; the introduction of unfamiliar foods and beverages exposes the gut to foreign bacterial strains that compete with indigenous microbiota, increasing the risk of dysbiosis. This imbalance may manifest as gastrointestinal disturbances such as traveler's diarrhea or constipation, often associated with high-fat and low-fiber diets. In addition to dietary factors, travel-related stress, jet lag, and variations in hygiene conditions further influence microbial homeostasis. Growing evidence underscores a close relationship between gut microbiota and immune function, indicating that dysbiosis may compromise immune defenses and heighten susceptibility to respiratory infections and allergic responses triggered by novel environmental exposures.

Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that confer health benefits when administered in adequate amounts, have gained considerable attention for their potential to promote human health. Predominantly derived from the *Lactobacillus* and *Bifidobacterium* genera, these beneficial microbes support gut health by modulating microbial composition, enhancing immune function, and improving digestive processes. Numerous studies have demonstrated their effectiveness in alleviating gastrointestinal disorders and reducing infection risk through immune system reinforcement. In addition, the capacity of probiotics to influence the gut-brain axis highlights their potential role in supporting mental health.

To ensure both safety and efficacy, this study employs *Bifidobacterium animalis* subsp. *lactis* B94 and *Lacticaseibacillus helveticus* R0052. Strain B94 has been clinically validated for improving bowel regularity and alleviating gastrointestinal discomfort through mechanisms such as short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, pathogen inhibition, and enhancement of intestinal barrier function. Strain R0052 is well recognized for its tolerability and its ability to shorten the duration of antibiotic-associated diarrhea while modulating immune responses. Moreover, R0052 has been shown to reduce psychological distress under stressful conditions, suggesting a regulatory role within the gut-brain axis. The combined use of these strains is therefore expected to promote microbiota stability and support overall health during the short-term physiological and psychological stress associated with travel.

The present study builds upon findings from a previous randomized controlled trial involving travelers to Japan. That trial demonstrated that short-term probiotic supplementation significantly enhanced gut microbiota resilience and improved both physiological and psychological homeostasis. Compared with the control group, participants receiving probiotics exhibited smaller fluctuations in microbial composition and achieved a more rapid return to baseline following travel. Lower incidences of gastrointestinal discomfort were reported, alongside improvements in anxiety, fatigue, and mood stability. Collectively, these results suggest that short-term probiotic intervention represents a practical and effective strategy for supporting health and well-being during periods of rapid environmental and lifestyle change.

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 18-65 years, regardless of gender;
• Planning to undertake a short-term round-trip journey to Europe (within 7 days);
• Able to understand and willing to comply with the study protocol, and to cooperate with study procedures;
• Voluntarily sign the informed consent form before any study-related procedures are initiated.

Exclusion criteria

• Diseases that may affect the evaluation of trial results, such as immune dysfunction, severe renal/hepatic dysfunction, severe cardiovascular disease, malignant tumors, acute or chronic infections, etc.;
• Use of probiotic preparations, antibiotics, hormones, immunosuppressants, biological agents, or JAK inhibitors within 4 weeks;
• Subjects with diagnosed or uncontrolled parasitic infections;
• Patients receiving long-term medication for chronic diseases;
• Patients with severe organic lesions in the thyroid, heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, or musculoskeletal system;
• Patients with a history of or currently diagnosed mental illness;
• Patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy;
• Use of growth hormone, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), lysine, inositol, or vitamin B12;
• Presence of uncontrolled, clinically significant laboratory abnormalities that may affect data interpretation or subject participation;
• Participation in other clinical intervention studies involving drugs, dietary supplements, probiotics, or prebiotics within the past 4 weeks;
• Presence of severe infections or major trauma deemed by the investigator to potentially affect outcomes, or having undergone moderate to major surgery within the past month;
• Known allergy to any component of the probiotic product;
• Subjects deemed unsuitable for participation by the investigator for any other reason.