The effect of probiotic supplementation on performance, inflammatory markers and gastro‐intestinal symptoms in elite road cyclists

Abstract Background Elite athletes may suffer from impaired immune function and gastro-intestinal (GI) symptoms, which may affect their health and may impede their performance. These symptoms may be reduced by multi-strain probiotic supplementation. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to examine the effects of probiotic supplementation on aerobic fitness characteristics, inflammatory markers and incidence and severity of GI symptoms in elite cyclists. Methods Twenty-seven male cyclists, ranked elite or category 1 level competitions, were randomly assigned to a multi-strain probiotic-supplemented group (E, n = 11) or placebo group (C, n = 16). All participants visited the laboratory at the beginning of the study and following 90 d of supplementation/placebo. Prior to testing, all participants completed a GI symptoms questionnaire and underwent physical and medical examination, and anthropometric measurements. Venous blood was drawn for inflammatory markers analysis. The cyclists then underwent maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) test and time-to-fatigue (TTF) test at 85 % of maximal power, 3 h following the VO2max test. All testing procedures were repeated after 90 d of probiotic / placebo treatment (double blind design). Results Lower incidence of nausea, belching, and vomiting (P < 0.05) at rest, and decreased incidence of GI symptoms during training were found in E group vs. C Group, respectively (∆GI -0.27 ± 0.47 % vs. 0.08 ± 0.29 %, P = 0.03), no significant changes were observed in the incidence of total overall GI symptoms (∆GI -5.6 ± 14.7 % vs. 2.6 ± 11.6 %, P = 0.602) Mean rate of perceived exertion (RPE) values during the TTF were lower in E group (∆RPE: -0.3 ± 0.9 vs. 0.8 ± 1.5, P = 0.04). No significant changes were measured between and within groups in VO2max and TTF values, mean levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6-and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) values following treatment. Conclusions Probiotics supplementation may have beneficial effects on GI symptoms in elite cyclists. Future studies, using higher doses and during different training seasons, might help understanding the effects of probiotic supplementation on elite athletes’ health and performance. Trial registration NIH clinicaltrial.gov#NCT02756221 Registered 25 April 2016.

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Effect of Clarithromycin on Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Atherosclerosis

Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology ◽

10.1128/cdli.10.4.525-528.2003 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 525-528 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Hans F. Berg ◽

Boulos Maraha ◽

Gert-Jan Scheffer ◽

Marcel F. Peeters ◽

Jan A. J. W. Kluytmans

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Markers ◽

Interleukin 2 ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Double Blind Study ◽

Double Blind ◽

Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Factor Alpha ◽

Artery Disease

ABSTRACT Atherosclerosis can to a certain extent be regarded as an inflammatory disease. Also, inflammatory markers may provide information about cardiovascular risk. Whether macrolide antibiotics, especially clarithromycin, have an anti-inflammatory effect in patients with atherosclerosis is not exactly known. To study this phenomenon, a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study was performed. A total of 231 patients with documented coronary artery disease received a daily dose of either 500 mg of slow-release clarithromycin or placebo until the day of surgery. Levels of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-2 receptor [IL-2R], IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha) were assessed during the preoperative outpatient visit, on the day of surgery, and 8 weeks after surgery. Also, changes in the levels of inflammatory markers between visits were determined by delta calculations. Baseline patient characteristics were balanced between the two treatment groups: the average age was 66 years (standard deviation [SD] = 9.0), 79% of the patients were male, and the average number of tablets used was 16 (SD = 9.3). The inflammatory markers of the groups as well as the delta calculations were not significantly changed. Treatment with clarithromycin did not influence the inflammatory markers in patients with atherosclerosis.

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The Effects of Ingesting Polylactate or Glucose Polymer Drinks during Prolonged Exercise

International Journal of Sport Nutrition ◽

10.1123/ijsn.1.3.249 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 1 (3) ◽

pp. 249-256 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Thomas D. Fahey ◽

James D. Larsen ◽

George A. Brooks ◽

William Colvin ◽

Steven Henderson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Perceived Exertion ◽

Prolonged Exercise ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Sodium Lactate ◽

Cycle Ergometer ◽

Fluid Replacement ◽

Double Blind ◽

Sodium Potassium ◽

Glucose Polymer ◽

Skin Temperatures

Five trained, fasted male cyclists rode a cycle ergometer three times at 50% of,max for 180 min. Using a balanced order, double-blind procedure,subjects were given either a solution containing polylactate (PL: 80% polylactate, 20% sodium lactate, in 7% solution with water), glucose polymer (GP: multidextrin in 7% solution with water), or control (C: water sweetened with aspartame) 5 min before exercise and at 20-min intervals during exercise. Venous blood samples were taken at rest and at 20-min intervals during exercise. In general, PL and GP rendered similar results except that pH and bicarbonate () were higher in PL. There were no differences between treatments in perceived exertion, sodium, potassium, chloride, lactate, heart rate, oxygen consumption, rectal temperature, or selected skin temperatures. These data show that polylactate may help maintain blood glucose and enhance blood buffering capacity during prolonged exercise and could be a useful component in an athletic fluid replacement beverage.

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The effects of a multispecies probiotic supplement on inflammatory markers and episodic and chronic migraine characteristics: A randomized double-blind controlled trial

Cephalalgia ◽

10.1177/0333102418820102 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 39 (7) ◽

pp. 841-853 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Fahimeh Martami ◽

Mansoureh Togha ◽

Maryam Seifishahpar ◽

Zeinab Ghorbani ◽

Hossein Ansari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Placebo Group ◽

Chronic Migraine ◽

Inflammatory Markers ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Double Blind ◽

Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽

Probiotic Group ◽

Mean Frequency ◽

The Mean ◽

Episodic Migraineurs

Background The current study was designed to assess the effect of supplementation with a 14-strain probiotic mixture on episodic and chronic migraine characteristics. Methods Forty episodic and 39 chronic migraine patients who completed this randomized double-blind controlled trial received two capsules of multispecies probiotic or placebo. The migraine severity was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS). The number of abortive drugs consumed, migraine days, frequency and duration of attacks were recorded on paper-based headache diaries. Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and C- reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured at baseline and the end of the intervention. Results After a 10-week intervention, among episodic migraineurs the mean frequency of migraine attacks significantly reduced in the probiotic group compare to the placebo group (mean change: −2.64 vs. 0.06; respectively, p < 0.001). A significant reduction was also evident in the migraine severity (mean decrease: −2.14 in the probiotic group and 0.11 in the placebo group; p < 0.001). Episodic migraineurs who received the probiotic also showed significant reduction in abortive drug usage per week (mean change: −0.72; p < 0.001) compare to baseline, while there was no significant changes within the placebo group. In chronic migraine patients, after an 8-week intervention, the mean frequency of migraine attacks significantly reduced in the probiotic compared to the placebo group (mean change: −9.67 vs. −0.22; p ≤ 0.001). In contrast to the placebo, probiotic supplementation significantly decreased the severity (mean changes: −2.69; p ≤ 0.001), duration (mean changes: −0.59; p ≤ 0.034) of attacks and the number of abortive drugs taken per day (mean changes: −1.02; p < 0.001), in chronic migraine patients. We failed to detect any significant differences in the serum levels of inflammatory markers at the end of the study either in chronic or in episodic migraineurs. Discussion The results of this study showed that the 14-strain probiotic mixture could be an effective and beneficial supplement to improve migraine headache in both chronic and episodic migraineurs. Further research is required to confirm our observations.

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The Effect of Supplementation with Low Doses of a Cod Protein Hydrolysate on Satiety Hormones and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12113421 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (11) ◽

pp. 3421

Author(s):

Caroline Jensen ◽

Hanna Fjeldheim Dale ◽

Trygve Hausken ◽

Jan Gunnar Hatlebakk ◽

Ingeborg Brønstad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

G Protein ◽

Inflammatory Markers ◽

Protein Hydrolysate ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Double Blind Study ◽

Acylated Ghrelin ◽

Low Doses ◽

Double Blind ◽

Necrosis Factor Alpha

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterised by metabolic abnormalities that increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Altered levels of circulating ghrelin, several adipokines and inflammatory markers secreted from adipose tissue, such as leptin, adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, are observed in overweight and obese individuals. We assessed the effect of supplementation with low doses of a cod protein hydrolysate (CPH) on fasting and postprandial levels of acylated ghrelin, as well as fasting levels of adiponectin, leptin and inflammatory markers in subjects with MetS. A multicentre, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial with a parallel group design was conducted. Subjects received a daily supplement of CPH (4 g protein, n = 15) or placebo (0 g protein, n = 15). We observed no effect on fasting or postprandial levels of acylated ghrelin, fasting levels of adiponectin (p = 0.089) or leptin (p = 0.967) after supplementation with CPH, compared to placebo. Overall, our study showed that 8 weeks supplementation with a low dose of CPH in subjects with MetS had no effect on satiety hormones or most of the inflammatory markers, but the levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were statistically significantly different in the CPH-group compared to placebo group. The robustness and clinical relevance of these findings should be explored in future studies with a larger sample size.

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Four Weeks of Probiotic Supplementation Alters the Metabolic Perturbations Induced by Marathon Running: Insight from Metabolomics

Metabolites ◽

10.3390/metabo11080535 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 535

Author(s):

Jamie N. Pugh ◽

Marie M. Phelan ◽

Eva Caamaño-Gutiérrez ◽

S. Andy Sparks ◽

James P. Morton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endurance Exercise ◽

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Principal Component ◽

Marathon Running ◽

Probiotic Supplementation ◽

Double Blind ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Few Data ◽

Muscle Biopsies

Few data are available that describe how probiotics influence systemic metabolism during endurance exercise. Metabolomic profiling of endurance athletes will elucidate mechanisms by which probiotics may confer benefits to the athlete. In this study, twenty-four runners (20 male, 4 female) were block randomised into two groups using a double-blind matched-pairs design according to their most recent Marathon performance. Runners were assigned to 28-days of supplementation with a multi-strain probiotic (PRO) or a placebo (PLB). Following 28-days of supplementation, runners performed a competitive track Marathon race. Venous blood samples and muscle biopsies (vastus lateralis) were collected on the morning of the race and immediately post-race. Samples were subsequently analysed by untargeted 1H-NMR metabolomics. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified a greater difference in the post-Marathon serum metabolome in the PLB group vs. PRO. Univariate tests identified 17 non-overlapped metabolites in PLB, whereas only seven were identified in PRO. By building a PLS-DA model of two components, we revealed combinations of metabolites able to discriminate between PLB and PRO post-Marathon. PCA of muscle biopsies demonstrated no discernible difference post-Marathon between treatment groups. In conclusion, 28-days of probiotic supplementation alters the metabolic perturbations induced by a Marathon. Such findings may be related to maintaining the integrity of the gut during endurance exercise.

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Caffeine improves biochemical and specific performance after judo training: a double-blind crossover study in a real judo training situation

Nutrition & Metabolism ◽

10.1186/s12986-021-00544-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kelvin Euton Oliveira Carmo ◽

Diego Ignácio Valenzuela Pérez ◽

Charles Nardelli Valido ◽

Jymmys Lopes dos Santos ◽

Bianca Miarka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Uric Acid ◽

Body Mass ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Power Performance ◽

Double Blind ◽

Biochemical Effect ◽

Plasma Uric Acid ◽

Hemodynamic Variables

Abstract Background Nutritional ergogenic aids are foods or nutrients that can improve physical performance. Among these foods with ergogenic properties, caffeine has shown that it can increase the fat catabolism, strength, and improve the cognition and time reaction of an athlete, therefore, it is hoped that it can improve the performance of judokas. This study through a double-blind crossover (supplement X placebo) protocol, investigated the effects caffeine supplementation (single capsule containing 5 mg/kg body mass intake 60 min before the session) on biochemical, anthropometrical, physical, subjective and hemodynamic variables measured before, during and after two typical judo trainingcxs sessions (120-min: 40-min of gymnastics; 40-min of specific technics and; 40-min of judo combat). Methods 8 high-level athletes (21.4 ± 2.0 years; 83.6 ± 15.2 kg; 1.8 ± 0.1 m; 17.9 ± 7.0 Fat%) were evaluated before and after each training for body mass, hydration, upper and lower limb power, performance in the special judo fitness test (SJFT), free fatty acids (FFA) in plasma, uric acid, glucose, lactate, heart rate, and pain. In addition, heart rate, FFA in plasma, uric acid, glucose, lactate, rating of perceived exertion and pain were assessed during the training. Results At 120 min, supplementation resulted in a higher concentration of plasma FFA (1.5 ± 0.5 vs. 1.0 ± 0.3 mmol/L; p = 0.047) and lactate (4.9 ± 1.8 vs. 3.0 ± 1.2 mmol/L; p = 0.047), and a lower concentration of uric acid (5.4 ± 0.9 vs. 7.0 ± 1.5 mg/dL; p = 0.04). Supplementation also resulted in performance maintenance (fatigue index) in the SJFT (Δ0.3 ± 2.0 vs Δ1.7 ± 2.5, for caffeine and placebo respectively, p = 0.046). No adverse effects were observed. Conclusion Based on the applied dose, intake time, and sample of this study, we can conclude that caffeine produces an ergogenic biochemical effect, and improves performance in judo athletes.

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Effect of probiotic supplementation along with calorie restriction on metabolic endotoxemia, and inflammation markers in coronary artery disease patients: a double blind placebo controlled randomized clinical trial

Nutrition Journal ◽

10.1186/s12937-021-00703-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jalal Moludi ◽

Hossein Samadi Kafil ◽

Shaimaa A. Qaisar ◽

Pourya Gholizadeh ◽

Mohammad Alizadeh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Coronary Artery Disease ◽

Coronary Artery ◽

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Interleukin 10 ◽

Probiotic Supplementation ◽

Related Factors ◽

Double Blind ◽

Artery Disease ◽

Metabolic Endotoxemia

Abstract Purpose Alterations in the gut microbiome (dysbiosis) has been associated with increased microbial translocation, leading to chronic inflammation in coronary artery disease (CAD). It has been proposed that modulation of gut microbiota by probiotic might modify metabolic endotoxemia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on endotoxin level, and biomarkers of inflammation in CAD participants. Methods This study was a 12-weeks randomized, double-blind, and intervention on 44 patients with CAD. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either one LGG capsule 1.6 × 109 colony-forming unit (CFU) or the placebo capsules for 12 weeks. In addition, all the participants were also prescribed a calorie-restricted diet. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), were assessed before and after the intervention. Results A significant decrease in IL1-Beta concentration (− 1.88 ± 2.25, vs. 0.50 ± 1.58 mmol/L, P = 0.027), and LPS levels (− 5.88 ± 2.70 vs. 2.96+ 5.27 mg/L, P = 0.016), was observed after the probiotic supplementation compared with the placebo. Participants who had ≥2.5 kg weight loss showed significantly improved cardiovascular-related factors, compared to patients with < 2.5 kg weight reduction, regardless of the supplement they took. Conclusion These data provide preliminary evidence that probiotic supplementation has beneficial effects on metabolic endotoxemia, and mega inflammation in participants with CAD.

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Recovery-Stress Response of Blood-Based Biomarkers

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18115776 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 5776

Author(s):

Sebastian Hacker ◽

Thomas Reichel ◽

Anne Hecksteden ◽

Christopher Weyh ◽

Kristina Gebhardt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Calcium Binding ◽

Tissue Repair ◽

Elite Athletes ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Recovery Stress ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Time Points ◽

S100 Calcium Binding Protein ◽

Stress States

The purpose of this study was to investigate blood-based biomarkers and their regulation with regard to different recovery-stress states. A total of 35 male elite athletes (13 badminton, 22 soccer players) were recruited, and two venous blood samples were taken: one in a ‘recovered’ state (REC) after a minimum of one-day rest from exercise and another one in a ‘non-recovered’ state (NOR) after a habitual loading microcycle. Overall, 23 blood-based biomarkers of different physiologic domains, which address inflammation, muscle damage, and tissue repair, were analyzed by Luminex assays. Across all athletes, only creatine kinase (CK), interleukin (IL-) 6, and IL-17A showed higher concentrations at NOR compared to REC time points. In badminton players, higher levels of CK and IL-17A at NOR were found. In contrast, a higher value for S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8) at REC was found in badminton players. Similar differences were found for BDNF in soccer players. Soccer players also showed increased levels of CK, and IL-6 at NOR compared to REC state. Several molecular markers were shown to be responsive to differing recovery-stress states, but their suitability as biomarkers in training must be further validated.

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Analysis of the Impact of a Multi-Strain Probiotic on Body Composition and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Long-Distance Runners

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12123758 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (12) ◽

pp. 3758

Author(s):

Joanna Smarkusz-Zarzecka ◽

Lucyna Ostrowska ◽

Joanna Leszczyńska ◽

Karolina Orywal ◽

Urszula Cwalina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Composition ◽

Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽

The Body ◽

Double Blind Study ◽

Distance Runners ◽

Long Distance ◽

Double Blind ◽

Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽

Total Body ◽

The Impact

Use of probiotic supplements, the benefits of which have not been proven in sportspeople, is becoming more widespread among runners. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multi-strain probiotic on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and inflammation in the body. The randomised, double-blind study included 66 long-distance runners. The intervention factor was a multi-strain probiotic or placebo. At the initial and final stages of the study, evaluation of body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness was performed and the presence of inflammation determined. In the group of men using the probiotic, an increase in lean body mass (p = 0.019) and skeletal muscle mass (p = 0.022) was demonstrated, while in the group of women taking the probiotic, a decrease in the content of total body fat (p = 0.600) and visceral fat (p = 0.247) was observed. Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) increased in women (p = 0.140) and men (p = 0.017) using the probiotic. Concentration of tumour necrosis factor-alpha decreased in women (p = 0.003) and men (p = 0.001) using the probiotic and in women (p = 0.074) and men (p = 0.016) using the placebo. Probiotic therapy had a positive effect on selected parameters of body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness of study participants and showed a tendency to reduce inflammation.

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Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Lao Children at Risk of Zinc Deficiency (P19-013-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz049.p19-013-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Gertrud Schuster ◽

Chidchamai Kewcharoenwong ◽

Maxwell Barffour ◽

Guy-Marino Hinnouho ◽

Janet Peerson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cell ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

T Cell Subsets ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Plasma Zinc ◽

Blood Leukocytes ◽

Double Blind ◽

Significant Group ◽

High Zinc

Abstract Objectives Determine if children (6 to 23 mo) who received daily preventive zinc (PZ; 7 mg/d), daily high-zinc, low-iron micronutrient powder (MNP; 10 mg/d zinc, 6 mg/d iron) or therapeutic zinc during episodes of diarrhea (TZ; 20 mg/d for 10 d per episode) have improved markers of innate and adaptive immune function, compared to placebo (PL). Methods Rural Laotian children were recruited into a double-blind, randomized, controlled intervention trial for 9 mo. Venous blood was collected at baseline (BL) and endline (EL) for analysis. Primary outcomes included T-cell subsets (naïve and memory CD4, CD8, Tregs) measured by flow cytometry and production of T-cell cytokines (IL-2, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, INF-γ) and LPS-induced cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α by whole blood cultures. Blood leukocytes (including lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and eosinophils) were measured as secondary outcome variables. Group means at EL were compared by analysis of covariance (controlling for BL values of the outcome, sex, child age, district, month of enrollment and plasma zinc concentration). If an interaction with BL plasma zinc (above/below median) was observed, group means were compared separately in children above and below the median. Results Mean BL plasma zinc in all children (N = 574) was 0.55 ± 0.12 mg/L. No significant group differences were seen at EL in the primary outcomes. For secondary outcomes, the counts (^103/μL) of lymphocytes from the PZ group (5.02 ± 0.16) were significantly lower than the PL group (5.64 ± 0.16; P = 0.032). The EL counts (^103/μL) of from the PZ group (0.144 ± 0.026) were significantly lower than in the PL (0.279 ± 0.048; P = 0.036) and TZ (0.285 ± 0.047; P = 0.025) groups among children with baseline zinc below the median. Conclusions Primary outcomes (T-cell subsets, and cytokine production) were not affected by the zinc intervention. Lymphocyte and eosinophil concentrations may be affected by zinc treatment but this result requires confirmation. Funding Sources ARS Project 2032-53000-001-00-D, Mathile Institute for the Advancement of Human Nutrition.

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