Effect of a Fermented Whey and Fiber Supplement on Digestive Comfort of Recreational Athletes With and Without GI Complaints
Arizona State University
Summary
A positive impact of a fermented dairy protein with prebiotic fiber supplement on self-reported GI complaints and wellbeing has been suggested (Wardenaar et al. 2024). The following project aims to further investigate the impact of this supplements in athletes with and without GI complaints in two separate data collections. Part I of the data collection aims to investigate the impact of this supplement vs. a placebo on carbohydrate malabsorption (as a potential cause for GI distress) in athletes that normally don't identify as having GI complaints (randomized double-blind cross over study design covering a total of 9 weeks, including a 3-week washout period). Part II of the data collection aims to confirm the earlier found results in the previous study (Wardenaar et al. 2024) in a group athletes self-reporting GI complaints that will be randomized into an intervention group or a placebo group (randomized double-blind parallel study design covering a total of 3 weeks).
Description
A substantial number of athletes suffer from gastro-intestinal (GI) problems, which may impair performance and/or subsequent recovery. Regardless of the prevalence of GI complaints, gut barrier integrity is impaired with high-intensity training. Emerging studies show a positive correlation between the gut microbiome and GI problems and general health and wellbeing. This project will perform two well-controlled studies: Part I will be looking into the impact of a 3-week supplementation of fermented dairy protein with prebiotic fiber supplement vs. 3-week supplementation of a control supplemen…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Aside from having participants fitting the inclusion and exclusion criteria below, potential participants will be screened using the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS). Based on the outcome they will be assigned to the Part I (i.e. no self-reported GI tract issues (GSRS questionnaire score GI complaints, based on GSRS screening with all items scored \<4 (severe) and a total GSRS score ≤25), or Part II (i.e. Severe self-reported GI tract issues (GSRS questionnaire score GI complaints, based on GSRS screening with at least one item scored ≥4 (severe) and a total GSRS score ≥30). If the…
Interventions
- Dietary SupplementFermented dairy protein with prebiotic fiber supplement
Both the intervention and placebo products contain a serving of 15g with \~53Kcal, 0.5g Fats, 5g Carbohydrate, 7.5g Protein that need to be dissolved as powder in water in a protein shaker that will be provided. The intervention product contains whey protein concentrate and a prebiotic fiber. All ingredients that are designated by the FDA as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). Participants will be asked to take the supplement daily before breakfast.
- Dietary SupplementControl placebo
Both the intervention and placebo products contain a serving of 15g with \~53Kcal, 0.5g Fats, 5g Carbohydrate, 7.5g Protein that need to be dissolved as powder in water in a protein shaker that will be provided. The placebo product is calorically matched to the intervention product and the main ingredients are protein and carbohydrate. All ingredients that are designated by the FDA as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). Participants will be asked to take the supplement daily before breakfast.
Location
- ASU Health Futures CenterPhoenix, Arizona