Probiotic restores immune response in athletes

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Probiotic restores immune response in athletes

Thu May 18, 2006 3:52 AM BST

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Production of the natural virus-fighter, interferon, is decreased in fatigued athletes, but it can be restored to normal levels with a "probiotic" pill containing the beneficial microbe Lactobacillus acidophilus, findings from a new study indicate.

The drop in interferon levels may play a role in the defective immune response against Epstein Barr virus (EBV), previously described in fatigued athletes, lead author Dr. R. L. Clancy, from the University of Newcastle in Australia, and colleagues note.

Most people have been infected with EBV; it can cause a number of diseases, including mononucleosis, and it has been implicated in chronic fatigue syndrome. However, the virus is usually kept in check by interferon.

As reported in the British Journal of Sports Medicine for April, the researchers tested for EBV in 24 saliva samples taken from eight fatigued athletes before and after receiving a 1-month course of the probiotic capsules. In addition, interferon levels were measured in blood samples.

Prior to treatment, five of the subjects had EBV in their saliva -- that is, they were shedding the virus because it was not being reigned in; after probiotic treatment, just one showed signs of virus shedding.

As noted, interferon-gamma secretion was decreased initially, but returned to normal levels after treatment.

"This study shows for the first time reduced interferon-gamma secretion in fatigued athletes, a defect that was reversed after treatment with L. acidophilus," the researchers state.

"The relation of these findings to other groups with chronic fatigue illnesses requires further study to clarify mechanisms and define therapeutic guidelines," they add.

SOURCE: British Journal of Sports Medicine, April 2006.

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