Probiotic Supplementation and Respiratory Infection and Immune Function in Athletes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #interleukin-6 #tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic #probiotics

Probiotic Supplementation and Respiratory Infection and Immune Function in Athletes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Łagowska et al., 2021 | J Athl Train | Meta Analysis

Citation

Łagowska Karolina, Bajerska Joanna. Probiotic Supplementation and Respiratory Infection and Immune Function in Athletes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Athl Train. 2021-Nov-01;56(11):1213-1223. doi:10.4085/592-20

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of probiotic supplementation on upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and inflammatory markers in elite athletes. DATA SOURCES: We searched the PubMed, EBSCOhost, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using the following terms: probiotic OR probiotics AND exercise OR sport OR athletes AND URTI OR respiratory infection OR URTIs OR inflammation OR inflammatory OR cytokines. STUDY SELECTION: We screened the titles and abstracts of 2498 articles using our inclusion criteria. A total of 14 articles were selected for further analysis. DATA EXTRACTION: For each study, 2 independent reviewers extracted the study design, participant characteristics, inclusion and exclusion criteria, intervention characteristics, outcome measures, and main results. DATA SYNTHESIS: We did not observe an effect of probiotic supplementation on the number of days of illness or the mean number or duration of URTI episodes but did note an effect of probiotic supplementation on the total symptom severity score (-0.65; 95% CI = -1.05, -0.25; P = .02). Lower levels of interleukin 6 (-2.52 pg/mL; 95% CI = -4.39, -0.66 pg/mL; P = .002) and tumor necrosis factor α (-2.31 pg/mL; 95% CI = -4.12, -0.51 pg/mL; P = .01) were also reported after supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis provides evidence that probiotic supplementation, especially among professional athletes, is an effective way to decrease the total URTI symptom severity score. In addition, probiotic supplementation may decrease interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α levels. More studies involving larger groups are needed to better assess this effect. The optimal timing, duration, composition, and dose of such supplementation need to be determined.

Key Findings

This meta-analysis provides evidence that probiotic supplementation, especially among professional athletes, is an effective way to decrease the total URTI symptom severity score. In addition, probiotic supplementation may decrease interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α levels. More studies involving larger groups are needed to better assess this effect. The optimal timing, duration, composition, and dose of such supplementation need to be determined.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition inflammation

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Probiotics
  • Respiratory Tract Infections
  • Athletes
  • Immunity

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: probiotics

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09