Oral administration of the probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum VRI-003 and mucosal immunity in endurance athletes
Open accessAbstract
Objective: To evaluate the ability of a probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum VRI-003 (PCC) to enhance the mucosal immune system of elite athletes. Design and setting: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial was conducted over a 4-month period of winter training. Participants: 20 healthy elite male distance runners. Interventions: PCC was given at a daily dose of 1.26×10 10 as a freeze-dried powder in gelatin capsules. Placebo capsules contained an inert excipient. Main outcome measures: Treadmill performance (monthly), mucosal and systemic immunity (monthly), training (daily) and illness (daily) were assessed. Serum cytokine levels, salivary IgA levels and incidence, duration and severity of respiratory tract infections were measured. Results: Subjects reported less than half the number of days of respiratory symptoms during PCC treatment (30 days) compared with placebo (72 days, p<0.001). Illness severity was also lower for episodes occurring during the PCC treatment (p = 0.06). There were no significant differences in the mean change in salivary IgA and IgA1 levels, or in interleukin (IL)4 and IL12 levels, between treatments. However, PCC treatment elicited a twofold (p = 0.07) greater change in whole-blood culture interferon gamma (IFNγ) compared with placebo. No substantial changes in running performance measures were seen over the study period. Conclusions: Prophylactic administration of PCC was associated with a substantial reduction in the number of days and severity of respiratory illness in a cohort of highly trained distance runners. Maintenance of IFNγ levels may be one mechanism underpinning the positive clinical outcomes.
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The single strain interventions used in five studies did not produce an aerobic performance benefit.
“The single strain interventions used in these five studies did not produce an aerobic performance benefit.”
From International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Probiotics (2019) · cites this paper as [57]
In an athletic population, specific probiotic strains can reduce the number of episodes, severity and duration of upper respiratory tract infections.
“In an athletic population, specific probiotic strains can reduce the number of episodes, severity and duration of upper respiratory tract infections.”
From International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Probiotics (2019) · cites this paper as [57]
In a 16-week study of 20 elite male distance runners, supplementation with Lactobacillus fermentum VRI-003 did not significantly change measures of performance (training duration, intensity, and VO2 max).
“in a 16-week study investigating the effect of Lactobacillus fermentum VRI-003 on the immunity in 20 elite male distance runners, measures of performance (which included training duration, intensity, and VO2 max) did not change significantly [57].”
From International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Probiotics (2019) · cites this paper as [57]
In 20 elite male distance runners, L. fermentum VRI-003 (PCC) over 16 weeks of winter training significantly reduced URTI incidence and severity compared to placebo.
“Probiotic supplementation significantly reduced URTI incidence and severity compared to placebo.”
From International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Probiotics (2019) · cites this paper as [57]
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- Authors
- Cox, A. J., Pyne, D. B., Saunders, P. U., & Fricker, P. A.
- Affiliations
- University of Newcastle Australia (AU)
- Australian National University (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Pyne, D B
- Venue
- British Journal of Sports Medicine
- Publisher
- BMJ
- Published
- 2008-02-13
- Volume
- 44
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 222-226
- ISSN
- 0306-3674 (ISSN-L)
- 1473-0480
- OpenAlex
- W2116436375
- Cited by
- 234
- References
- 26
- Citations by year
- 2026: 9 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 17 · 2022: 22 · 2021: 15 · 2020: 18 · 2019: 19 · 2018: 16 · 2017: 11 · 2016: 13 · 2015: 13 · 2014: 8 · 2013: 19 · 2012: 11
- FWCI
- 11.19
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Locations
- British Journal of Sports Medicine (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- ANU Open Research (Australian National University) (submittedVersion)
- Griffith Research Online (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Probiotics and Fermented Foods
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Rehabilitation › Exercise and Physiological Responses
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Sports Performance and Training
- Keywords
- probiotics, mucosal immunity, endurance athletes, long-distance runners, respiratory infections, salivary IgA, interferon-gamma, cytokines, disease prevention, winter training
- MeSH terms
- Administration, Oral, Adult, Double-Blind Method, Humans, Male, Physical Endurance, Running, Cytokines, Cross-Over Studies, Immunity, Mucosal, Probiotics, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Medication Adherence, Athletes
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