Effect of a probiotics supplementation on respiratory infections and immune and hormonal parameters during intense military training

Mil Med. 2007 Sep;172(9):1006-11. doi: 10.7205/milmed.172.9.1006.

Abstract

This study examined the effect of a probiotics supplementation on respiratory tract infection (RTI) and immune and hormonal changes during the French Commando training (3-week training followed by a 5-day combat course). Cadets (21 +/- 0.4 years) received either a probiotics (n = 24) or a placebo (n = 23) supplementation over the training period. We found no difference in the RTI incidence between groups but a significantly greater proportion of rhinopharyngitis in the probiotic group (p < 0.05). Among immune parameters, the major finding was an immunoglobulin A decrease after the combat course only in the placebo group (p < 0.01), but the difference between the two groups was not significant. A greater increase in dehydroepiandrostane sulfate was observed in the probiotics group after the combat course (p < 0.05). This study suggested that the benefits of a probiotics supplementation in a multistressor environment relied mainly on its capacity to prevent the infection to spread throughout the respiratory tract.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hormones / blood*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular / drug effects*
  • Immunoglobulin A / metabolism*
  • Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Male
  • Military Personnel / education*
  • Probiotics / administration & dosage
  • Probiotics / therapeutic use*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / immunology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / metabolism
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / prevention & control*
  • Saliva / metabolism
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Hormones
  • Immunoglobulin A