The trial randomised 51 men aged at least 65 with type 2 diabetes; 40 completed the intervention. Groups received control, protein, or synbiotic plus protein within a resistance-training programme.

All groups improved physical performance and selected redox indicators. The protein group showed greater improvements in strength, insulin resistance and selected oxidative-damage markers; adding the synbiotic produced no further advantage.

The finding challenges a purely additive reading of multi-ingredient formulas. Demonstrating synergy requires an appropriate comparator, a prespecified endpoint and measurable incremental benefit, not just a rationale for each component.

Why it matters

For microbiome + protein + healthy-ageing concepts, the trial shows why each component must demonstrate measurable incremental value rather than plausibility alone.

Evidence limit

A small final sample of older men with diabetes and three arms without a fully inactive group. Other synbiotics, doses or populations may behave differently.

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