Exploring if Galactooligosaccharide improves carbohydrate use during exercise

Does Galactooligosaccharide Supplementation Enhance Nutrient Availability in Physically Active Individuals

NA · University of Bath · NCT05742516

This study is testing if a prebiotic called Galactooligosaccharide can help regular exercisers use carbohydrates better during workouts and improve nutrient absorption.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Bath (other)
Locations1 site (Bath, Bath and NE Somerset)
Trial IDNCT05742516 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates whether the prebiotic Galactooligosaccharide (BIMUNO®) can enhance the body's ability to utilize ingested carbohydrates during exercise. Participants, who are regular exercisers aged 18-60, will attend eight laboratory sessions at the University of Bath, where they will receive either BIMUNO® or a placebo. The study aims to determine if BIMUNO® can also improve the absorption of other nutrients like vitamins and minerals. The findings could provide insights into nutritional strategies for optimizing exercise performance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are regular exercisers aged 18-60 who can complete two hours of moderate intensity cycling.

Not a fit: Patients who have recently used prebiotics, probiotics, or specific restrictive diets may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved nutritional strategies for athletes and active individuals, enhancing their performance and recovery.

How similar studies have performed: While there is emerging evidence on probiotics enhancing carbohydrate utilization, the specific use of prebiotics like Galactooligosaccharide in this context is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Regular exerciser - defined as participating in at least 30 mins of structured exercise at least 3 times per week
* Able to complete two hours of moderate intensity cycling
* Aged 18-60 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Use of products marketed as prebiotics, probiotics or synbiotics within 4 weeks prior to study entry (e.g. Yakult, Actimel, Activia, VSL#3, Kefir). Regular cheese or yogurt containing lactic acid bacteria are not an exclusion criterion.
* Systemic antibiotic or antimycotic treatment within 4 weeks prior to study entry.
* Following diets likely to affect study outcomes: e.g. low FODMAP, KETO/high-fat, gluten free/coeliac, paleo, weight loss, caloric restriction, low-carb, 5:2/whole day energy restriction, Atkins/high-protein, sugar-free, single-food, juicing/any day of juicing, any other restriction diet (e.g. very low calory), or vegan diets (GOS is derived from cow's milk).
* Changes in diet, supplement use or medication likely to affect study outcomes within 2 months prior to study entry or planned during the study.

Where this trial is running

Bath, Bath and NE Somerset

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Exogenous Carbohydrate Oxidation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.