Clinical Trial of Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum Dad-13 on Gut Microbiota Profile and Performance in Adolescent Athletes

An athlete's physical performance can be influenced by the balance of gut microbiota in the digestive tract. Research shows that as many as 96% of ultramarathon participants (161 km) experience several digestive symptoms such as belching, nausea, vomiting and stress with a failure to reach 35.6% in completing the race. The diversity of an athlete's gut microbiota is higher than that of a normal person. This study is a true experimental study with a double-blind, pre- and posttest randomized controlled trial with a total of 30 athletes as respondents. There are two treatments: the first group will be given 1 gram of capsule preparation containing the probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Dad-13 given twice/day and the control group given a placebo capsule twice/day. The probiotic intervention was given at breakfast and dinner for 8 weeks. Measurement of the microbiota profile comes from fecal samples to further measure digestive tract health, SCFA levels, and calprotectin concentrations. Analysis of alpha diversity and beta diversity using Microbiome Analyst software. Physical performance was measured using VO2max using a direct laboratory method, namely the COSMED K5 instrument, before and after the intervention in kg/mL. Food intake was measured using a 24-hour food recall method and physical activity using an activity recall method.

Inclusion criteria

• Residing in the BPPLOP dormitory of Central Java Province;
• Having a normal body mass index;
• Being an athlete in an endurance sport;
• Having no growth disorders

Exclusion criteria

• Injury, any health contraindication or failure to perform exercise procedures;
• Gastrointestinal infections, diseases, disorders;
• Past history of gastrointestinal surgery;
• Failure to follow the study protocol;
• Declared general feeling of being unwell