Mixed
Specific probiotic strains reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in athletes, particularly under conditions of high training load or environmental stress.
If you are an athlete prone to colds, look for a probiotic with a specific strain that has been studied for immune health (e.g., Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG). Do not buy generic 'probiotic' blends without strain identification. Ensure the product lists the specific genus, species, and strain on the label.
In an athletic population, specific probiotic strains can reduce the number of episodes, severity and duration of upper respiratory tract infections.
Why this rating
Based on a systematic review of multiple human studies, though strain specificity limits generalizability.
Source
International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Probiotics
Ralf Jäger et al. · Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition · 2019
DOI 10.1186/s12970-019-0329-0
More from this paper
- Athletes have distinct gut microbiota compositions compared to sedentary individuals, characterized by higher diversity and abundance of health-promoting bacteria, influenced by exercise and protein intake.Good
- Specific probiotic strains improve gut barrier integrity, reducing gut permeability and systemic endotoxemia caused by intense, prolonged exercise.Moderate
- Probiotic supplementation does not consistently improve athletic performance metrics (e.g., VO2 max, peak power) across all strains and populations.Moderate
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