Effect of prebiotic supplementation on gut microbiota. Effects of Prebiotic Supplementation on gut microbiota of Young Basketball Players

Effects of supplementing soluble dietary fiber and its effect on gut microbiota as well as its effect on neuromuscular and cardiovascular endurance and lessening perception of fatigue in basketball players was tested in this study. Eighteen healthy, male basketball players were involved in the study, from which nine consumed 17 g/day of soluble dietary fiber (Nutriose®), and nine same amounts of maltodextrin as control, over four weeks. Microbiota composition was sampled before start of supplementation, after two and four weeks of supplementation and four weeks after the end of supplementation. Measurements of their morphological characteristics, neuromuscular and cardiovascular endurance, and rating of perceived exertion according to the RPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion) scale were performed before supplementation and after 4 weeks of supplementation.