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Nutritional support to maintain proper immune status during intense training
1School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.
Nestle Nutrition Institute Workshop Series
|June 15, 2013
Summary
Athletes can support their immune system by eating a balanced diet and consuming carbohydrates during prolonged exercise. Certain supplements like probiotics and plant polyphenols may also help reduce infection risk, especially for those prone to illness.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Immunology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Prolonged exercise and heavy training can suppress immune function, increasing infection susceptibility in athletes.
- Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in protein and micronutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamins A, D, E, B6, and B12, are linked to immune dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of nutrition and supplementation on immune function in athletes.
- To identify effective nutritional strategies for maintaining athlete immunity and reducing infection risk.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies examining the relationship between exercise, diet, and immune function.
- Analysis of the efficacy of various nutrients, supplements, and dietary strategies on immune markers and infection rates in athletes.
Main Results:
- Adequate intake of energy, macronutrients, and specific micronutrients is crucial for immune maintenance.
- Carbohydrate consumption during exercise and daily intake of probiotics and plant polyphenols (e.g., quercetin) show promise in mitigating exercise-induced immune depression and reducing infection risk.
- Individual amino acids, colostrum, Echinacea, and zinc are unlikely to significantly boost immunity or reduce infection risk.
Conclusions:
- Athletes should prioritize a balanced diet to meet nutritional needs for robust immunity.
- Carbohydrate intake during exercise and supplementation with probiotics and plant polyphenols represent the most effective strategies for supporting athlete immunity.
- These strategies may be particularly beneficial for athletes frequently experiencing illness.
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