Effect of Processed Soybeans (Tofu and Tempeh) Consumption, and Exercise on Upper Respiratory Tract Immunity

IgA is widely used as Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) risk marker, as a lower concentration in sIgA indicates a higher incidence of URTI. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different types of exercise; combined with Tempeh consumption in increasing sIgA concentration in saliva sample.

19 sedentary male subjects aged 20-23 were recruited and assigned into 2 groups based on the exercise type, endurance (n=9), and resistance (n=10). These subjects underwent 2 weeks of Tofu and Tempeh consumption, then were assigned to do exercises based on their groups.

This study showed an increased mean value of sIgA concentrations in the endurance group; the baseline value, after food treatment, and after food and exercise treatment were 71.726 ng/mL, 73.266 ng/mL, and 73.921 ng/mL, respectively for Tofu treatment; and 71.726 ng/mL, 73.723 ng/mL, and 75.075 ng/mL, respectively for Tempeh treatment. While in the resistance group, there was also an increase in the mean value of sIgA concentrations; baseline, after food treatment, and after food and exercise treatments were 70.123 ng/mL, 71.801 ng/mL, and 74.430 ng/mL, respectively for Tofu treatment; and 70.123 ng/mL, 72.397 ng/mL, and 77.216 ng/mL, respectively for Tempeh treatment. These results indicated that combining both Tempeh consumption and moderate intensity resistance exercise was more effective to increase sIgA concentration.

This study showed that combining moderate intensity resistance exercise with consumption of 200 gr Tempeh for 2 weeks was more effective in increasing sIgA concentration; compared to endurance exercise and Tofu consumption.