Effect of Agave Consumption on Performance and Gut Microbiota in Adults Undergoing Physical Training

The purpose of this study is to analyze changes in the gut microbiota of healthy adult athletes, both men and women, before and after supplementation with a dietary fiber (agavins). Each participant will be their own control, so the design will allow us to identify whether the intervention generates changes in bacterial composition and whether these changes are related to variations in physical performance. The study will determine changes in the gut microbiota, athletic performance, and markers of metabolic stress such as lactate and creatine kinase. Volunteers will be required to take 10g of agavins in warm water for 6 weeks. The gut microbiota will be evaluated through a stool sample, while athletic performance will be measured through direct calorimetry, determining VO2max. Lactate will be determined by finger prick using Accutrend Plus equipment, while creatine kinase will be measured using a blood sample taken by staff from the biomarker measurement laboratory of the Department of Nutrition and Functional Foods.

Inclusion Criteria: * athletes in any sport, metabolically healthy. Exclusion Criteria: * intestinal diseases, recreational athletes, people undergoing antibiotic treatment, people undergoing treatment with probiotics or prebiotics.