Dive Brief:
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A recent study published in U.K. journal Nutrients found that prebiotic, probiotic and antioxidant supplements reduced gastrointestinal distress in triathletes.
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Training for and participation in triathlons and other endurance and multi-sport events often causes GI problems like cramping, nausea and vomiting. After 12 weeks of pre/probiotic consumption, study participants experienced reduced levels of bacteria that stresses the body and causes discomfort both before a triathalon and six days following the event.
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Participation in endurance races is increasing. Every year, more than 100,000 ultramarathoners compete in more than 1,000 races across the globe.
Dive Insight:
This study's positive findings could significantly impact the health and post-race recovery of serious athletes, and could also have implications for the health of the general consumer as well.
Athletes are not the only consumers who experience damage to the lining of the gut as a result of GI distress. With interest in probiotic food formulations already on the upswing, manufacturers could benefit from incorporating this bacteria into their better-for-you products.
Probiotics could be employed in a new generation of health foods and products specifically designed for the growing number of participants in extreme sports, such as sports drinks or protein bars.