None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Metabolic, immune and gut health are commonly compromised in the general population as people age, are exposed to stress and exercise less than that recommended for health. Plant based extracts have increased significantly in popularity in recent years due to health promoting effects. Whilst some of these claims are substantiated, many claims on the effect of these products on gut and immune function remain unexplored. This study aims to investigate a powdered nutritional product to determine its effect on immune, metabolic and gut health over an 8-week period. It is hypothesised that the supplement will improve markers of gastrointestinal, immune and metabolic health compared with the placebo.
Interventions
Participants in this study will be sedentary, but otherwise healthy adults. They will consume a daily dose of a commercial powdered dietary supplement containing wheatgrass, barley grass, chlorella, and spirulina for 8 weeks. Participants will consume 1 teaspoon per day, dissolved in a beverage. Supplement that is not consumed will be returned to the study team to monitor compliance.
Prior to, and after the 8 weeks, participants will take part in an individual metabolic challenge supervised by q
Participants in this study will be sedentary, but otherwise healthy adults. They will consume a daily dose of a commercial powdered dietary supplement containing wheatgrass, barley grass, chlorella, and spirulina for 8 weeks. Participants will consume 1 teaspoon per day, dissolved in a beverage. Supplement that is not consumed will be returned to the study team to monitor compliance. Prior to, and after the 8 weeks, participants will take part in an individual metabolic challenge supervised by qualified research staff. Participants will consume a pre-exercise breakfast beverage (approx 7% Energy (E) protein, 30%E CHO, 63%E fat), then 2 h later undertake light exercise (walking on an incline at 60% VO2max) in heat conditions (35deg C), until exhaustion (participant decides not to continue). Every 15 minutes during exercise, participants will be asked to provide: a Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE); a Rating of Thermal Comfort; and an indicator of gastrointestinal discomfort. Participant heart rate and tympanic temperature will also be monitored.
Sponsors
Monash University
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Primary purpose
Prevention
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Male and female adults engaged in < 150 minutes of structure exercise or sport per week
Exclusion criteria
Athletes Anyone having experienced a musculoskeletal injury in the past 3 months. Chronic disease (hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes) any gastrointestinal diseases (IBD, Coeliac Disease), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or dietary intolerances or food allergies. Body mass index (BMI) less than 18 kg/m2 OR greater than 35 kg/m2. Regular exposure to heat, eg sauna, hot yoga, hot water immersion. Consumption of nutritional supplements such as plant extracts, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidant supplements in the past 3 months. Use of antibiotics or other medications in the past 3 months. Current smokers, vapers or other recreational drug users.
Outcome results
None listed