The Effects of Prebiotics on Gut Bacterial Parameters, Immune Function & Exercise-Induced Airway Inflammation.

This is an interventional treatment trial for Exercised Induced Asthma focused on measuring Asthma, Exercise-Induced Asthma, Gut Bacteria, Bimuno® Galactooligosaccharide, Pulmonary Function, Prebiotics, Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction, Gut Microbiota, Nutritional Intervention, Eucapnic Voluntary Hyperpnoea, Systemic Inflammation, Systemic Immune Function, Regulatory T Cells, TH1 Cells, TH2 Cells, Short-Chain Fatty Acids, Acetate, Propionate, Butyrate, Metabolomics, Airway Inflammation, Intestinal Permeability Read More

Inclusion Criteria:

Be 18-50 years of age at the date of your first visit.

Have a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-25 kg∙m2 (this will be worked out by the researchers using the participant's height and body weight).

Be physically active (completing 3 or more exercise sessions a week lasting at least 45 minutes each).

Be a non-smoker.

Asthma is defined as Steps 1, 2, or 3 based on British Thoracic Society guidelines.

Asthma sufferers must have a current medication prescription from their GP (e.g. maintenance/reliever inhalers).

In the researcher's opinion, the participant is able and willing to follow all trial requirements.

Exclusion Criteria

Asthma defined as Steps 4 or 5 based on British Thoracic Society guidelines.

Asthma sufferers who do not have a current medication prescription from their GP (e.g. maintenance and reliever inhalers).

Regular consumption of Omega-3 supplements, and/or high levels of Omega-3 intake from food (e.g. consuming more than 1-2 portions of oily fish such as salmon or mackerel a week).

Regularly consume antioxidant supplements.

Standard multivitamin and mineral supplements are acceptable, as long as the product label states the recommended Dietary Reference Values (DRV's).

If a single antioxidant supplement (e.g. Vitamin C), exceeds the recommended daily DRV's this will be checked with the chief investigator.

Take a daily dose of aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.

Have consumed prebiotics and/or probiotics, drugs that affect gastrointestinal mobility, or laxatives in the 4 weeks before participation.

Currently taking a daily dose of anti-histamine, which could not be refrained from for 72 hours before each testing session.

Unable to refrain from taking Asthma medication (e.g. maintenance and reliever inhalers) for a prescribed duration before each testing session (e.g. 8-96 hours).

Vegetarian or vegan diet.

Previously diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or similar respiratory illness.

Participants with asthma that have ever been hospitalised due to asthma (e.g. intensive care unit).

Participants with asthma that have received treatment with oral corticosteroids/been admitted to hospital during the past 12 months for their asthma.

An increase/step-up in asthma medication during the study (e.g. moving from Step 1 to Step 2, Step 2 to Step 3 etc.).

Participants with asthma who do not obtain an additional prescription for a reliever inhaler to be stored securely at NTU if needed during visits. Additional prescriptions must be obtained before familiarisation/visit two. Participants will be reimbursed for the cost of additional reliever inhaler prescriptions.

History of heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, embolism, or other pulmonary heart disease.

History of recurrent chest infections.

Smoker.

Pregnant, planning pregnancy or lactating.

Had an acute infection in the last four weeks, and/or major operation in the past four months.

History of gastrointestinal drug reaction.

Have taken antibiotics in the past 3 months.

History or current evidence of gastrointestinal disease (e.g. chronic constipation, diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, Chrohn's disease).

Have recently taken part in other research projects. Participants will be asked to notify the chief investigator.

Participants are, or believe that they are lactose intolerant.