Recent study finds that galactooligosaccharide supplementation supports immune health in athletes

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A recent study published in the European Journal of Sports Science¹ found that supplementation with galactooligosaccharide may support immune health in athletes. In the study, 33 elite rugby union players were randomly assigned to 2.8 g/day of galactooligosaccharide (Bimuno GOS by Clasado Biosciences) or placebo for 168 days. During the study, subjects completed daily and weekly questionnaires for self-reported upper respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, respectively. Researchers also collected blood and saliva samples at baselines, day 84, and day 168 to assess TNF-α and CRP, and saliva IgA (immunoglobulin A).

Results showed that subjects taking the galactooligosaccharide experienced a two-day reduction in upper respiratory symptom duration as well as lower gastrointestinal severity and incidence compared to placebo. Researchers also found that subjects taking the galactooligosaccharide saw a 42% greater secretion of salivary immunoglobulin A after 168 days, compared to placebo.

“Through our latest study and the wider, rapidly advancing field of gut health science, we are enhancing our understanding of how gut microbiota and appropriate nutrition can support gastrointestinal immune function. This research provides interesting indications on how prebiotic GOS which target beneficial bacteria could be key in the future of sports nutrition and supporting athlete health,” said Neil Williams, the study’s principal investigator and senior lecturer in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition at Nottingham Trent University’s Department of Sport Science, in a press release.

“From the results of the study and the biomarkers we were measuring, we can see emerging mechanisms at work,” Williams elaborated. “For example, we saw an increase in the secretion rate of salivary lgA, an antibody responsible for fighting-off respiratory infections. It’s important to note that with a prebiotic intervention, we are not putting up a ‘force field’ against illness or disease, what we’re doing is improving the body’s tolerance and ability to fight off potential illnesses. We’re uncovering the important role of the gut microbiome, but studies such as this, enable us to turn that understanding into action.”

Reference

Parker, C.; Hunter, K.A.; Johnson, M.A.; Sharpe, G.R.; Gibson, G.R.; Walton, G.E.; Poveda, C.; Cousins, B.; Williams, N.C. Effects of 24-Week Prebiotic Iintervention on Self-Reported Upper Respiratory Symptoms, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, and Markers of Immunity in Elite Rugby Union Players. European Journal of Sport Science. 2023, Article ASAP, DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2023.2216657