Researchers from Nottingham Trent University have found that taking prebiotics daily can boost immune performance in professional athletes. The findings appear in the European Journal of Sport Sciences.
In a clinical trial, professional rugby players supplemented with galactooligosaccharide during the competitive season. Prebiotics are believed to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which can influence immunity and overall health.
Compared with a placebo group, the prebiotic group spent on average 2.4 fewer days on sick leave due to SARS, while those on placebo averaged about 10 days. The study spanned 24 weeks.
Participants receiving prebiotics also experienced milder gastrointestinal symptoms. Researchers suggest that these benefits could reduce the number of missed workouts and key competitions for elite athletes.
The exact mechanism by which prebiotics affect the immune system remains unclear. It is not yet certain whether these results apply to non-athletes or casual exercisers.
“We may be seeing new pathways at work. For instance, there was an increase in the rate at which salivary IgA is released, an antibody that helps defend against respiratory infections,” noted the researchers.
One potential avenue to explore involves heartburn management where standard medications fall short, as hinted by the broader discussion around gut health and immune function.
Credit: European Journal of Sport Sciences and associated study authors.