Impact of probiotic supplementation on exercise endurance among nonelite athletes: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial.

This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel trial investigated whether generally healthy adult, nonelite runners would have a greater time-to-exhaustion during submaximal treadmill running with probiotic versus placebo supplementation. It was hypothesized that the probiotic would impact training progression by reducing gastrointestinal (GI) and cold/flu symptoms. Participants who typically ran ≥24 km/week, ran or cross-trained 3-5 days per week, and had a maximal oxygen intake (V̇O max) in the 60-85th percentile were enrolled.

The effect of an acute aspirin challenge on intestinal permeability in healthy adults with and without prophylactic probiotic consumption: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.

Background: Healthy individuals may experience increases in intestinal permeability after chronic or acute use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which may be attenuated by probiotics. This study investigates the effects of an acute aspirin challenge on gastroduodenal barrier function with or without prophylactic probiotic consumption.

Methods: Twenty-nine generally healthy participants (26 ± 6 years) completed a 14-week randomized, double-blind, crossover trial.

The effect of a probiotic on gastrointestinal symptoms due to menstruation in healthy adult women on oral contraceptives: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial protocol.

Introduction: For many women, uncomfortable and stressful symptoms accompany the menstrual cycle each month, sometimes in a debilitating manner. Previous studies have reported that gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy women significantly differ by the day of the menstrual cycle, but few studies have assessed interventions intended to minimize these symptoms. Probiotics supplements have been shown to attenuate gastrointestinal symptom severity as well as self-reported feelings of stress in various populations.

Validation of a novel quality of life questionnaire: the Digestion-associated Quality of Life Questionnaire (DQLQ).

Background: Few health-related quality of life (QOL) questionnaires are designed specifically for healthy populations and are specific to gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms even though healthy individuals may frequently experience gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a tool that could assess the impact of GI symptoms on digestion-associated QOL in otherwise healthy individuals.

Methods: After a review of current literature and with input from experienced GI researchers, a 24-item questionnaire was created.

Stool frequency and form and gastrointestinal symptoms differ by day of the menstrual cycle in healthy adult women taking oral contraceptives: a prospective observational study.

Background: Little is known about how the menstrual cycle affects gastrointestinal function and self-reported stress in young, healthy women taking oral contraceptives (OC). This study prospectively characterized gastrointestinal function and symptoms on each day throughout the menstrual cycle.

Methods: Healthy women aged 18-35 years (n = 78) who took OC participated in the 5-week observational study.

Probiotics, Nutrition, and the Small Intestine.

Purpose Of Review: Probiotics are promising remedial treatments for symptoms of small intestine (SI) diseases and promoters of overall good health. Probiotics play an important role in supporting a healthy SI microbiome (eubiosis), and in preventing establishment of unhealthy microbiota. SI eubiosis promotes optimal nutrient uptake, and optimal nutritional status maintains a healthy SI, reducing the likelihood of SI diseases.