Effects of postbiotics on gut health and exercise recovery

The Effect of Postbiotics Supplementation on Gut Microbiota Composition and Exercise-induced Inflammation

Not applicable Interventional University of Thessaly · NCT06428656

This study is testing if taking postbiotics can improve gut health and help athletes recover better after intense exercise.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Thessaly Academic / other
Locations1 site (Trikala, Thessaly)
Trial IDNCT06428656 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how postbiotics supplementation affects gut microbiota composition and exercise-induced inflammation following eccentric exercise. It employs a cross-over, randomized, double-blind, controlled design with participants undergoing two 4-week cycles: one with postbiotics and one with a placebo. After supplementation, participants will perform a treadmill running exercise, and various assessments will be conducted to evaluate gut health, muscle damage, and inflammatory responses before and after exercise. The goal is to understand the potential benefits of postbiotics in enhancing athletic performance and recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are physically active individuals with a VO2max of at least 35 ml/kg/min and no recent musculoskeletal injuries.

Not a fit: Patients with recent musculoskeletal injuries or those currently using anti-inflammatory or ergogenic supplements may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how postbiotics can improve recovery and performance in physically active individuals.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of postbiotics is emerging, there is limited prior research specifically examining their effects on exercise recovery, making this study relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Physically active subjects (VO2max ≥35ml/kg/min)
* Absence of musculoskeletal injury (≥6 months)
* Abstinence from the use of ergogenic supplements (≥1 month)
* Abstinence from anti-inflammatory drugs (≥1 month)
* Abstinence from pre-pro-postbiotic supplements (≥6 months)
* Abstinence from participating in exercise with eccentric content for at least 7 days before exercise
* Abstinence from alcohol and energy drinks before exercise

Exclusion Criteria:

* Recent history of musculoskeletal injury (\<6 months)
* Use of ergogenic performance supplements (\<1 month)
* Taking anti-inflammatory drugs (\<1 month)
* Taking pre-pro-postbiotic supplements (\<6 months)
* Participation in exercise with eccentric content in the previous 7 days before exercise
* Consumption of alcohol and energy drinks before exercise

Where this trial is running

Trikala, Thessaly

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Postbiotics Supplementation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.