KEYWORDS: Probiotics, athlete, immunity, respiratory tract, lactobacillus.

ABSTRACT: Physical activity is essential for the prevention of many chronic diseases. Health benefits increase with frequency and intensity of activity; however, the stress induced from over exertion can suppress the immune system and increase risk of respiratory tract infection and intestinal disturbances. This is more evident in high-endurance elite athletes, but also can be observed in people with active lifestyles. Upper respiratory tract illnesses negatively impact quality of life and impair performance of athletes undertaking intense exercise. Although medications for symptom relief may be used, they are not without side effects. Probiotics offer a safe option, as recent studies on Lactobacillus spp. demonstrate improved immune status providing protection against respiratory tract illness in athletes.

INTRODUCTION

Probiotics have been shown to modulate the immune response in a wide range of in vitro cell models and animal mod ...