Prebiotic and Probiotic Modulation of the Gut Microbiota-gut-brain Axis During Acute Stress

Launched by UNITED STATES ARMY RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE · May 24, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how prebiotics and probiotics—substances that promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut—can help manage stress and its effects on the body and mind. Researchers want to see if these dietary supplements can improve physical and mental responses during stressful situations, such as intense physical activity and challenging cognitive tasks. The study will involve healthy men and women aged 18 to 39 who regularly exercise and meet specific health criteria. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a placebo (a dummy treatment), a prebiotic, or a probiotic for four weeks.

During the trial, participants will follow a controlled diet in the last week and undergo stress tests, including walking on a treadmill with weights and completing tasks while experiencing mild stress. The study will collect samples from participants to monitor their health responses. It's important to note that certain individuals, such as those with specific medical conditions, pregnant women, and those taking certain medications, may not be eligible to participate. If you are interested in joining, you'll need to maintain your regular diet until the controlled diet phase and follow guidelines regarding medications and supplements.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Men and women aged 18 - 39 years (active duty personnel who are 17 yr of age will also be allowed to participate).
• • In good health as determined by Medical Clearance.
• * Physically active:
• • If military, passed most recent record Combat or Physical Fitness Test, and ≥4 d/wk aerobic and/or resistance exercise.
• • If civilian, ≥4 d/wk aerobic and/or resistance exercise.
• * Meet Army weight for height and body composition standards as defined in Army Regulation 600-9:
• • Self-reports ≥4 bowel movements/week.
• • Self-reports normal hearing.
• • Willing to maintain usual diet until provided diet phase of study.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pregnant, expecting to become pregnant during study, or breastfeeding.
• • Abnormal menstrual cycles \[i.e., not between 26-32 days in duration; or not 5-6 menstrual cycles within the past 6 months\], or those that have had an IUD placed within the last month or removed within the past 3 months.
• • Less than 20/20 acuity on the Snellen eye chart of normal or corrected-to-normal acuity.
• * Any of the following medical conditions:
• • Neurological or psychological disorder (such as depression, anxiety disorders, migraines, cluster headaches, seizures, post-traumatic stress disorder or panic attacks).
• • Cardiac disease (including arrhythmia or fast or skipped heart beats) Hypertension Has a pacemaker Insomnia Musculoskeletal injuries that compromise exercise capability Metabolic or cardiovascular abnormalities (e.g., kidney disease, diabetes, etc.) Disease of the GI tract including, but not limited to diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis Excessive alcohol use or other substance abuse issues Immunodeficiency disorder Allergy to skin adhesive
• • Colonoscopy within 3 months of study participation.
• • Any use of antibiotics or antimycotics, except topical antibiotics/antimycotics, within 3 months of study participation.
• • Regular use of over-the-counter medications (including antacids, laxatives, stool softeners, and anti-diarrheals) unless approved by medical office and study PI.
• • Taking prescription medications other than a contraceptive (unless approved by medical office and study PI)
• • Not willing or able to refrain from using over the counter medications for 72hr before stress exposure days.
• • Not willing or able to stop consumption of dietary supplements at least 2 weeks before and throughout study participation.
• • Not willing or able to stop consumption of probiotic-containing foods (e.g., yogurt, etc.) or foods containing added prebiotics (e.g., inulin) at least 2 weeks before and throughout study participation.
• • Not willing to abstain from non-provided foods and beverages, including alcohol, during the controlled-diet period.
• • Not willing to abstain from caffeine and any nicotine containing products (smoking, chewing, vaping, etc.) during the week prior to stress exposure days.
• • Not willing to refrain from strenuous exercise for 24hr prior to stress exposure days.
• • Allergies, intolerances, unwillingness or inability to eat intervention supplements, or provided foods and beverages.
• • Following vegetarian/vegan diet or other highly restrictive diet (e.g., ketogenic diet, very high protein diet, Paleo diet).
• • Any previous blood donation, within 8 weeks of a study blood draw, of a volume that when combined with the amount of blood to be collected during the study would exceed 550 mL