Beta-glucan, immune function, and upper respiratory tract infections in athletes.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

This study investigated the effects of oat beta-glucan (BG) supplementation on chronic resting immunity, exercise-induced changes in immune function, and self-reported upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) incidence in human endurance athletes.

METHODS:

Trained male cyclists were randomized to BG (N = 19) or placebo (P; N = 17) groups and under double-blind procedures received BG (5.6 g x d(-1)) or P beverage supplements for 2 wk before, during, and 1 d after a 3-d period in which subjects cycled for 3 h x d(-1) at approximately 57% maximal watts. URTI symptoms were monitored during BG supplementation and for 2 wk afterward. Blood samples were collected before and after 2 wk of supplementation (both samples, 8:00 a.m.), immediately after the 3-h exercise bout on day 3 (6:00 p.m.), and 14 h after exercise (8:00 a.m.) and were assayed for natural killer cell activity (NKCA), polymorphonuclear respiratory burst activity (PMN-RBA), phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation (PHA-LP), plasma interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-10, IL-1 receptor agonist (IL-1ra), and IL-8, and blood leukocyte IL-10, IL-8, and IL-1ra mRNA expression.

RESULTS:

Chronic resting levels and exercise-induced changes in NKCA, PMN-RBA, PHA-LP, plasma cytokines, and blood leukocyte cytokine mRNA did not differ significantly between BG and P groups. URTI incidence during the 2-wk postexercise period did not differ significantly between groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

An 18-d period of BG versus P ingestion did not alter chronic resting or exercise-induced changes in immune function or URTI incidence in cyclists during the 2-wk period after an intensified exercise.

• Authors: David C Nieman, Dru A Henson, Mary McMahon, Jenna L Wrieden, J Mark Davis, E Angela Murphy, Sarah J Gross, Lisa S McAnulty, Charles L Dumke
• Journal: Medicine and science in sports and exercise (Med Sci Sports Exerc) Vol. 40 Issue 8 Pg. 1463-71 (Aug 2008) ISSN: 1530-0315 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 18614945 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• beta-Glucans

Topics

• Dietary Supplements
• Double-Blind Method
• Exercise Test
• Humans
• Immune System (drug effects)
• Male
• Physical Exertion (physiology)
• Respiratory Tract Infections (drug therapy, epidemiology, immunology)
• Sports
• beta-Glucans (administration & dosage, immunology)