Effect of Probiotics on Endurance Athletes' Microbiome at Rest and Post-race

This study is intended to investigate the use of probiotics (LAB4 probiotics, Cultech, Port Talbot, Wales, UK) and the effect this has on gastrointestinal symptoms experienced during elite long-distance triathlon (ironman) competition, as well as the composition of the gut bacteria in the athlete. Long-distance triathlon events frequently induce gastrointestinal discomfort due to the duration of the event (8-17 hours), the intensity of the exercise and the ingestion of large amounts of sugars throughout the event. Data will be collected from athletes participating at the Kona ironman World-championships. Participants will supplement with either probiotic tablet, or placebo (sugar-pill) for 4-weeks prior to competition. Athletes will be both male and female age-group athletes from any qualifying age category (age categories are as follows: 18-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70-74; 75-79; 80-84). The main investigation of the study will be the occurence/frequency/severity of gastrointestinal symptoms during training and competition between groups.