| Autor: |
Wardenaar FC; College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA., Mohr AE; College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA.; Center for Health Through Microbiomes, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA., Ortega-Santos CP; Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA., Nyakayiru J; FrieslandCampina, 3818 LE Amersfoort, The Netherlands., Kersch-Counet C; FrieslandCampina, 3818 LE Amersfoort, The Netherlands., Chan Y; College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA., Clear AM; College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA., Kurka J; College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA., Schott KD; College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA., Seltzer RGN; College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA. |
| Abstrakt: |
The current state of the literature lacks a clear characterization of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, gut microbiota composition, and general physical and mental wellbeing in well-trained athletes. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize differences in self-reported symptoms, gut microbiota composition, and wellbeing (i.e., sleep quality, mood, and physical (PHQ) and mental wellbeing) between athletes with and without GI symptoms. In addition, we assessed the potential impact of a 3-week multi-ingredient fermented whey supplement in the GI complaints group, without a control group, on the gut microbiota and self-reported GI symptoms and wellbeing. A total of 50 athletes (24.7 ± 4.5 years) with GI issues (GI group at baseline, GI-B) and 21 athletes (25.4 ± 5.3 years) without GI issues (non-GI group, NGI) were included. At baseline, there was a significant difference in the total gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS) score (24.1 ± 8.48 vs. 30.3 ± 8.82, p = 0.008) and a trend difference in PHQ (33.9 ± 10.7 vs. 30.3 ± 8.82, p = 0.081), but no differences ( p > 0.05) were seen for other outcomes, including gut microbiota metrics, between groups. After 3-week supplementation, the GI group (GI-S) showed increased Bifidobacterium relative abundance ( p < 0.05), reported a lower number of severe GI complaints (from 72% to 54%, p < 0.001), and PHQ declined ( p = 0.010). In conclusion, well-trained athletes with GI complaints reported more severe GI symptoms than an athletic reference group, without showing clear differences in wellbeing or microbiota composition. Future controlled research should further investigate the impact of such multi-ingredient supplements on GI complaints and the associated changes in gut health-related markers. |
