Selective Influence of Hemp Fiber Ingestion on Post-Exercise Gut Permeability: A Metabolomics-Based Analysis

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Science
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Hemp hull powder contains bioactive compounds like N-trans-caffeoyl tyramine (NCT) and N-trans-feruloyl tyramine (NFT).
• These compounds are suggested to offer potential benefits for gut health.
• Intensive exercise can impact gut permeability and host metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of 2-week hemp fiber supplementation on gut permeability.
• To analyze plasma metabolite shifts following intensive cycling.
• To evaluate dose-dependent effects of hemp fiber (high and low doses) versus placebo.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study with 23 cyclists.
• Participants consumed hemp hull powder bars (20g, 5g, or 0g/day) for two 2-week periods.
• Gut permeability assessed via urine lactulose/mannitol ratio post-exercise; plasma metabolites analyzed using untargeted metabolomics.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in gut permeability (lactulose/mannitol ratio), cortisol, or muscle damage markers were observed between groups.
• Untargeted metabolomics revealed distinct metabolic profiles with hemp fiber supplementation compared to placebo.
• Significant alterations in metabolic pathways including alpha-linolenic acid, tryptophan, and bile acid metabolism were noted.

Conclusions:

• Two weeks of hemp fiber supplementation did not significantly alter gut permeability in cyclists after prolonged intense exercise.
• Hemp fiber intake, combined with prolonged cycling, led to increased levels of beneficial metabolites.
• Metabolomic analysis suggests positive impacts on host metabolism and gut-derived compounds.