Nutrition supplementation and immunity in athletes

To examine the effect of butyrylated high amylose maize starch on immune and microbiological parameters in 40 well trained athletes in a double blind placebo controlled parallel trial over 28 days. Butyrylated high amylose maize starch is non-digestible starch that promotes the growth of beneficial microbes in the gastrointestinal tract. In this case the starch has had butyric acid incorporated into its structure. Butyric acid is the primary fuel for colonocytes and promotes normal functioning of these cells. The supplement is in a powder form and will be mixed and consumed with a protein drink (musashi protein powder) twice daily for 28 days. A total of 40 grams per day of the butyrylated high amylose maize starch will be consumed per day. The expected outcomes are an increase in faecal short chain fatty acids (butyrate, acetate and propionate), an increase in total faecal bacteria and increases in salivary antimicrobial proteins and serum cytokines.