protein-prebiotic wellbeing study

Conditions: Digestive Health; Quality of Life

Summary: healthy participants with self-reported gi complaints will consume the protein supplement that they normally use for recovery purposes after exercise during a 3-week baseline period, followed by a 3-week intervention period in which they maintain usage of their product, but replace a part of this product with a fermented dairy protein with prebiotic fiber. in addition, a group of healthy participants without self-reported gi complaints will serve as a reference group by consuming the protein supplement that they normally use for recovery purposes after exercise during a 3-week period.

a substantial number of athletes suffer from gastro-intestinal problems, which may impair performance and/or subsequent recovery. also, gut barrier integrity is impaired with high-intensity training. emerging studies are showing a positive correlation between the gut microbiome and muscle function, athletic performance, body composition, and natural energy levels. this study will perform an exploratory analysis of the well-being and digestive health of well-trained athletes, and assess the potential effect of fermented dairy protein with prebiotic fiber on these parameters. question 1: does the 3-week supplementation of a fermented dairy protein with prebiotic fiber affect the self-reported digestive comfort compared to a 3-week baseline period? and additionally, will the quality of life (self-reported general well-being and states of mood) change with the use of this type of product? question 2: does the 3-week supplementation of a fermented dairy protein with prebiotic fiber show an alteration in gut microbiota in comparison to a 3-week baseline period, while dietary intake remains unaffected? question 3: how is the 3-week supplementation of a fermented dairy protein with prebiotic fiber experienced by the participants (taste and concept liking)? question 4: is there a difference in baseline gut microbiota between athletes with and athletes without self-reported gi complaints.

Eligibility criteria:
inclusion criteria: * healthy subjects living in arizona in the usa * women/men aged between 18-35 years * serious athletes (exercise at least 3 x per week) * with or without gi tract issues due to sport or protein/diet intake * 18.5 ≤ bmi ≤ 40 kg/m2 * no physical limitations (i.e. able to perform all activities associated with daily living in an independent manner). * use of a protein supplement or sports food after at least one training per day 3 x per week * willing to slightly increase their protein supplement intake during the intervention phase for 21 consecutive days * stable weight during the last 4 weeks, without a focus on body weight reduction through limiting caloric intake * written informed consent exclusion criteria: * daily use of (sport) supplements containing probiotics and/or prebiotics * smoking * self-reported cow's milk protein allergy * clinical lactose intolerance * clinical milk protein allergy * house dust mite allergy * diagnosed gi tract disorders or diseases * musculoskeletal disorders * metabolic disorders (such as diabetes) * use of any medications known to affect protein metabolism (i.e. corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or prescribed acne medications). * chronic use of gastric acid-suppressing medication or anti-coagulants * use of antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication the past 2 weeks * blood donation in the past 2 months * pregnant/lactating women * athletes should not aim to lose body weight by reducing energy intake during the study

Keywords: participants healthy subjects athlete women men fermented dairy prebiotics gut microbiota self-reported gi tract diet sleep