Probiotic supplementation improves body composition, lipid profiles, and fatty acid metabolism in combat sports athletes during the weight reduction phase.
Probiotic supplementation may improve body composition and lipid profiles in combat sports athletes during weight reduction, but more research is needed to confirm these effects.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the slu-pp-332 (exercise mimetic) corpusSummary and findings
This study measured the effects of probiotic supplementation on body composition, lipid profiles, and fatty acid metabolism in 32 combat sports athletes during a 4-week weight reduction phase. The probiotic group showed a more significant reduction in body fat percentage and lower triglycerides and LDL-C levels compared to the placebo group. Additionally, the probiotic group exhibited higher levels of short-chain fatty acids post-intervention.
Abstract
<h4>Purpose</h4>Pre-competition weight control for combat sports athletes may alter body composition and fatty acid metabolism. Probiotics have shown potential to regulate overall metabolism; however, their specific effects on fatty acid metabolism during weight control in athletes remain unclear.<h4>Methods</h4>Thirty-two combat sports athletes participating in the 4-week weight reduction period were assigned to either the probiotic group (Group E) or the placebo group (Group C). Body composition, lipid profiles, and fatty acid metabolism were measured before and after the 4-week weight reduction phase.<h4>Results</h4>All the athletes experienced a decrease in body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and muscle mass following the 4-week weight loss intervention. Notably, a more significant reduction in body fat percentage (<i>p</i> < 0.05) was observed, along with lower levels of triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), specifically in Group E. Weight loss intervention resulted in increased levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), specifically acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid. Notably, Group E exhibited higher mean values for SCFAs compared to Group C (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Additionally, the serum levels of <i>γ</i>-linolenic acid and 8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid were significantly reduced in Group E (<i>p</i> < 0.05). In contrast, the majority of free fatty acids (FFAs) showed significant increases, with greater magnitudes of change observed in Group C (<i>p</i> < 0.05).<h4>Conclusion</h4>Probiotic supplementation can improve body composition, enhance SCFAs levels, and decrease circulating FFAs in combat sports athletes, suggesting that probiotics may have a beneficial impact on pre-competition weight management.<h4>Trial registration number</h4>chiCTR2400079908 (Reg Date:2024-01-16).
Background
This paper addresses the impact of probiotic supplementation on body composition and fatty acid metabolism in combat sports athletes, particularly during pre-competition weight control. Previous studies have indicated that probiotics can influence metabolism, but their specific effects during weight reduction in athletes had not been clearly established. Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing weight management strategies in competitive sports.
Methods
The study employed a randomized controlled trial design with 32 combat sports athletes assigned to either a probiotic group (Group E) or a placebo group (Group C) during a 4-week weight reduction phase. Body composition, lipid profiles, and fatty acid metabolism were assessed before and after the intervention. Primary outcomes included changes in body fat percentage, triglycerides, and short-chain fatty acids.
Results
All athletes experienced a decrease in body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and muscle mass after the 4-week intervention. Group E showed a statistically significant reduction in body fat percentage and triglycerides compared to Group C, with p-values less than 0.05. Additionally, Group E had higher levels of short-chain fatty acids post-intervention, also with p<0.05.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that probiotic supplementation may have a beneficial role in improving body composition and lipid profiles during weight reduction in athletes. However, while the results are statistically significant, the clinical relevance of these changes, particularly in terms of performance outcomes, remains uncertain. The small sample size and short duration of the study may limit the robustness of these conclusions.
Key findings
- Body fat percentage significantly reduced in Group E, p<0.05.
- Triglycerides levels were lower in Group E, p<0.05.
- Group E exhibited higher mean values for short-chain fatty acids compared to Group C, p<0.05.
- Serum levels of γ-linolenic acid significantly reduced in Group E, p<0.05.
- Majority of free fatty acids showed significant increases in Group C, p<0.05.
Limitations
- small n=32
- short 4-week intervention
- not reported if study was blinded
- no long-term follow-up data