Running to Exhaustion Study
SUMMARY
This study aimed to investigate the effects of multi-strain probiotics supplementation on gastrointestinal permeability, systemic markers of inflammation and running performance when exercising in the heat.
The runners supplemented with Lab4-based multi-strain probiotics exercised for a longer period and their running time to exhaustion in heat was significantly increased.
In addition, a reduction in gastrointestinal permeability was observed with probiotic supplementation.
Aim
This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study aimed to assess the effect of Lab4-based multi-strain probiotic supplementation on gut permeability, inflammation and running performance when exercising in the hot conditions.
Method
Results
Run time to fatigue
- Significant increase in running time to fatigue in heat was observed in the probiotic group compared to placebo (*P=0.033).
- The runners supplemented with probiotics exercised for a longer period (37 min 44s) compared to placebo (33 min).
Intestinal permeability
- Lactulose:Rhamnose ratio in urine was measured as an assessment of intestinal permeability.
- Lactulose:Rhamnose ratio was 8% lower following probiotic supplementation compared to placebo.
- This was associated with a reduction in circulating lipopolysaccharide concentration both pre- and post-exercise.
Conclusion
Four weeks of Lab4-based multi-strain probiotic supplementation significantly increased running time to exhaustion in hot environmental conditions.
