Effects of race distance and probiotics intervention on kidney, muscle, and gut injury and inflammation biomarker responses during running.
Erik Hansson, Bethany Skinner, Tiziana Falcone et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined kidney, muscle, and gut inflammation biomarkers in 34 participants completing 42 trail races of 20–164 km, and assessed whether four weeks of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v) supplementation altered responses. Running was associated with increases in tubular and glomerular kidney injury markers and fecal calprotectin; urine myoglobin rose in some cases. Biomarker effects were more pronounced in races ≥107 km. Lp299v was not associated with a significant change in the composite tubular kidney injury biomarker, but was associated with a protective effect against gut inflammation.
Key findings
- Running increased tubular and glomerular kidney injury markers and fecal calprotectin; urine myoglobin was elevated in some cases.
- Kidney and gut biomarker effects were more pronounced in races ≥107 km.
- Lp299v did not significantly influence the composite tubular kidney injury biomarker but was associated with protection against gut inflammation.
Why it matters
The findings indicate that prolonged trail running, particularly at ultradistance, can coincide with measurable kidney and gut injury or inflammation biomarkers. They also suggest that these responses may differ by organ system: supplementation was associated with a gut signal but not a significant change in the composite kidney marker. This distinction may inform further research into physiological responses to extreme exertion.
What to keep in mind
The study included 34 participants across 42 races, and the authors state that further studies are needed to confirm the potential gut-protective effect and investigate underlying mechanisms.