Helier, Jersey—New research published in theBritish Journal of Nutritionoffers data suggesting a branded trans-galactooligosaccharide prebiotic complex (B-GOS, Bimuno from Clasado) lessens exercise-induced asthma.

Ten adults with exercise-induced asthma and eight without the disease took either 5.5 g/day of the prebiotic or a placebo for three weeks. After a two-week washout period, the groups switched regimens. Everyone underwent a hyperventilation test that mimicked exercise-induced asthma. While pulmonary function didn’t change in the placebo group, asthma symptom severity was reduced by 40% in the prebiotic group and eliminated the increase in cytokine TNF-α that usually happens with airway constriction following exercise.

“The finding that B-GOS can reduce exercise induced bronchoconstriction will be of great interest to clinicians and asthma sufferers alike. Although this is early stage work, it raises the prospect that our unique carbohydrate complex could be used as an adjunct to existing asthma therapy. This could potentially benefit millions of sufferers,” said Graham Waters, CEO of Clasado.

The researchers are affiliated with Nottingham Trent University.