Kefir, Gut Microbiota, and Athletic Performance in Soccer Players

This research work is a clinical trial that will assess the impact of kefir consumption on the gut microbiota profile and athletic performance of female soccer players of age 18-29 years. The participants were divided into two groups namely the kefir intervention group and the control group. The primary end points are the modifications in the alpha diversity of the gut microbiome and the beta diversity of the gut microbiome and also the athletic performance outcomes like VO2 max and finishing speed which will be measured using the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test. The other outcomes of the study are the changes in the body composition (measured through BIA and skinfold), the changes in the dietary intake and the variations in certain microbial genera such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. The study will be the first to evaluate whether kefir intake can increase the microbial diversity, increase the VO2max and improve the body composition of professional athletes. The anticipated outcomes of this study are enhanced gut microbial diversity, enhanced VO2max and finishing speed, and positive alteration in the body composition parameters.