Research

A probiotic a day helps keep colds at bay

Researchers at Loughborough have found that a simple, daily probiotic might help prevent athletes catching colds during their training and competition.

The research indicated that daily consumption of the probiotic drink Yakult is effective in reducing incidences of upper respiratory tract infections in athletes. Salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) is important in preventing viral infections – particularly in the respiratory tract – and levels of this antibody can fall during periods of intensive exercise.

Endurance athletes involved in regular intensive sports training such as cycling, triathlon, middle and long distance running or swimming were divided into two groups. Over a period of 16 weeks, one group drank Yakult every day and a matching group had placebo drinks.

At the end of the trial, a lower proportion of probiotic drinkers (66 percent) experienced an episode of the common cold compared to those drinking a placebo (90 percent). The average number of cold episodes was also 50 percent lower in the probiotic drinkers.

The athletes drinking the probiotic also experienced significantly fewer days with the gastrointestinal symptoms that are frequently suffered by triathletes and runners.

Professor Michael Gleeson, from the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, led the study. He commented: “There is relatively little evidence for the effectiveness of so-called dietary immunostimulants in the athletic population but this study suggests that a probiotic product may help to reduce the risk of infection. Athletes hate the thought of picking up colds as even minor ailments can impair their training and performance or even stop them from competing.”