CompletedObservational

A preliminary investigation into the impact of military lifestyle on the gut microbiome

This study is investigating how joining the military affects the tiny organisms living in officer cadets' guts, known as the gut microbiome. Researchers will follow new cadets at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst over 44 weeks to understand how the demands of military life, including stress, might change these gut bacteria. They also want to see if these changes are connected to how well cadets perform. The team will collect various samples and information at different times during training. Understanding this link could help discover ways to boost resilience and performance in soldiers in the future. This is a first step in understanding the gut microbiome in UK military training.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Defence Science and Technology Laboratory

Enrolment target

Start

08 May 2023

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2024

Observed changes in the gut microbiome of officer cadet's performance

What is this study about?

Imagine your gut is like a bustling city, full of tiny living things called microbes (bacteria, viruses, and fungi). This community, known as your gut microbiome, plays a huge role in your health and can even affect your mood and how you handle stress. This study aims to explore how life in the military, with its unique challenges and stresses, might change this important gut community in officer cadets.

The researchers will be watching how the cadets' gut microbiome changes over their 44-week training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. They want to see if these changes are linked to how the cadets perform and cope with stress. Previous research has hinted that a healthy gut microbiome might help people deal better with stressful situations. By understanding how the gut microbiome responds in this demanding environment, the study hopes to find clues that could eventually lead to better ways to support soldiers' health and performance.

This is a brand-new study in the UK for military cadets. By gathering information on their gut health, performance, and wellbeing throughout their training, the researchers will build a foundation for future studies. This information could eventually help develop strategies to improve resilience and effectiveness, which are crucial for success in military life.

Key takeaways

Looks at how military life affects gut bacteria.
Follows officer cadets for 44 weeks of training.
Aims to link gut health with stress and performance.
Involves blood, stool samples, scans, and questionnaires.
No direct personal benefits, but contributes to important research.
Study has a very low risk level.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you need to be an officer cadet joining the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in April/May 2023, September 2023, or January 2024. You should be between 18 and 30 years old. It's important that you haven't taken certain medications that affect your gut, like laxatives or antibiotics, in the last few months. You also shouldn't have any known serious gut health issues.

If you've had significant military experience (more than six months of training or active service within the last six months), this study might not be suitable for you. Also, if you use probiotics (supplements for gut health) regularly or have had certain gut procedures recently, you probably won't be able to join. Women who are pregnant cannot take part in this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an officer cadet starting training in 2023 or January 2024?
Are you between 18 and 30 years old?
Have you avoided antibiotics in the last 6 months and gut medications in the last 3 months?
Do you have no known major gut health problems?
Have you had limited to no prior military experience (less than 6 months)?
Are you not pregnant (if applicable)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, you'll be followed for 44 weeks, which is about 10-11 months, during your officer cadet training. During this time, there will be five main check-in points.

At these check-ins, you'll be asked to provide various samples and information. This includes giving blood samples (like you would at a doctor's visit) and stool (poo) samples. You'll also complete questionnaires about your mood and sleep, take some tests that look at your thinking skills, and have full body scans (called DXA scans). Additionally, you'll be asked to keep track of what you eat at certain times. These steps are spread out across your training to see how things change over time. The study will mainly happen at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct personal benefits to you for taking part in this study, but your contribution will help researchers understand more about gut health in military personnel. The study has a very low risk level. Giving blood samples is generally safe, though there's a small chance of bruising or feeling faint. Some questions about mood might bring up uncomfortable thoughts, but this is rare. Collecting stool samples is designed to be as discreet as possible. You will also have body scans which involve a very small amount of radiation, similar to a short aeroplane flight; women will need a pregnancy test beforehand to ensure safety. If any test results suggest a health concern, a medical officer would be informed to discuss it with you. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (2)

Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
City only
Camberley, United Kingdom
Quadram Institute
Approximate
Norwich, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the 'gut microbiome'?

It's the collection of all the tiny living things, like bacteria, that live in your gut and help with digestion and overall health.

Will I get any results about my own health?

The study's main goal is research, but if a test shows something important about your health, a medical officer will discuss it with you.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be involved for about 44 weeks, which is the length of your officer cadet training course.

What happens if I feel uncomfortable answering some questions?

You are always free to skip any questions that make you feel uncomfortable or to withdraw from the study at any time.

Who is paying for this research?

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Dstl are funding and managing this study.

How to find out more

Rosie Young

rosie.young@quadram.ac.uk +44 (0)1603 255000 Ext. 5007 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.