For the crossover portion of the study, athletes were provided one of two beverages. The control beverage was formulated according to current sports nutrition guidelines for both pre- and post-workout nutrient delivery. It contained whey protein, sucrose, maltodextrins, chocolate flavoring and a small amount of butter oil. The test beverage was identical on a macro nutrient content, but contained a milk based ingredient called 'milk fat globule membrane.' This material is isolated from a byproduct of butter production, and is rich in phospholipids. The beverages were provided three hours prior to the exercise trial as well as immediately after. The test beverage contained a powder rich in MFGM that is produced by Arla Foods (Lacprodan PL-20) which contains roughly 20% phospholipids and 60% protein. In studies with mice, Dial et al have noted effects on gut protection in 1 h when animals are provided with phospholipids at 100mg/kg body weight. The second beverage was matched for macronutrient content, but did not contain the phospholipid powder.