Probiotics Increase Immune Response in Athletes

CANBERRA, AustraliaA study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that the probiotic lactobacillus may substantially lower the risk and length of respiratory illness, such as colds and flu, in endurance athletes (2008). Over a four month period, 20 elite, endurance athletes were given either three freeze-dried capsules of the probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum twice daily or placebo. After assessing treadmill performance, immune response and the length and severity of respiratory tract infections, the athletes taking the probiotic suffered less than half the number of days of symptoms as those in the placebo group (30 days compared to 72 days). Results suggested the probiotic treatment doubled the levels of interferon gamma, an component of the bodys immune response.