Effects of 24-week prebiotic intervention on self-reported upper respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and markers of immunity in elite rugby union players

Parker, C., Hunter, K. A., Johnson, M. A., Sharpe, G. R., Gibson, G. R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0566-0476, Walton, G. E. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5426-5635, Poveda, C., Cousins, B. and Williams, N. C. (2023) Effects of 24-week prebiotic intervention on self-reported upper respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and markers of immunity in elite rugby union players. European Journal of Sport Science, 23 (11). pp. 2232-2239. ISSN 1746-1391 doi: 10.1080/17461391.2023.2216657

Abstract/Summary

Objectives Elite rugby union players face numerous physiological and psychological stressors which can increase upper respiratory and gastrointestinal illness risk, and in turn can compromise training and competitive performance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of daily prebiotic supplementation on upper respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and markers of immune function in elite rugby union players. Methods Thirty-three elite rugby union players were randomly assigned to consume a prebiotic (2.9 g/day galactooligosaccharide) or placebo (2.8 g/day maltodextrin), daily for 168 days under double-blind conditions. Participants completed daily and weekly questionnaires for self-reported upper respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms respectively. Blood and saliva samples were collected at 0, 84, and 168 days for assessment of plasma TNF-α and CRP, and saliva IgA respectively. Results The prebiotic group experienced a 2-day reduction in upper respiratory symptom duration (P = 0.045). Gastrointestinal symptom severity and incidence were lower in the prebiotic group compared to the placebo group (P < 0.001, P = 0.041) respectively. Salivary immunoglobulin A secretion rate was 42% greater in the prebiotic group compared to the placebo group at day 168 (P = 0.004), no differences in CRP and TNF-α were found (P > 0.05). Conclusion A 168-day dietary prebiotic intervention reduced the duration of upper respiratory symptoms and reduced the incidence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms in elite rugby union players. These findings suggest that seasonal prebiotic interventions may be beneficial for reducing illness in elite rugby union players, improving their availability to train and compete.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/112317
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences > Food Microbial Sciences Research Group
Publisher	Taylor & Francis
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