The effects of a prebiotic supplement on exercise induced asthma and markers of airway inflammation

INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to receive 5.5 g.day of either galactooligosaccharide B‐GOS (Bimuno) or placebo (maltodextrin) (Clasado Ltd, Milton Keynes, UK) for 3 weeks. Participants then followed a 2 week washout period (normal diet) before commencing the alternative supplement for the remaining 3 weeks. CONDITION: Exercise induced asthma ; Respiratory ; Asthma PRIMARY OUTCOME: Pulmonary function data (forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow) at baseline and in response to the eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea test (in both asthmatic and non‐asthmatic groups).; ; Data was collected at day 0 and day 21. SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. Baseline and post eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea (EVH) blood sampling for markers of airway inflammation (chemokines CCL11 and CCL17; tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐a); c‐reactive protein; and immunoglobulin E) – (collected in both asthmatic and non‐asthmatic groups); 2. Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (collected in asthmatic group only); ; Serum chemokine and TNF‐a levels were measured from blood samples taken at baseline and 15 min, 60 min and 24 h after EVH.; ; Data was collected at day 0 and day 21. INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Body mass index (BMI) 20‐25 KG.M‐2 2. Physically active 3 or more times a week , with each exercise session lasting at least 45 min 3. Non‐smoker 4. Non‐vegetarian or vegan 5. Asthma sufferers must have own clinically prescribed medication 6. Asthma sufferers must have a GP diagnosis