Foods supplemented with probiotics enhance athletes' immune system functions, improve body health and consequently decreases athlete's health maintenance costs. Probiotics improve immune system function against pathogens via affecting on innate immune system, humeral immunity and cytokines. The effects of consumption of Iranian probiotic Bifidobactrium bifidum (BIB2) on athletes' immune system functions were evaluated. The results showed studied immune system factors were significantly different between test and control groups, so that IgA, IgM, lymphocyte and monocytes percentage and CD4 measurements of test group were higher than control. The Bifidobacterim bifidum (BIB2) probiotic consumption can affect some immune system factors; therefore its ability to improved general health should be studied more.

Background: Extreme of professional exercise intensively increase the production of free radicals, damage to body tissues, and production of stress hormones and reduces the immune activity. The use of probiotic supplements has attracted sports community attention to promoting the health and performance of athletes.Objectives: In this study, the effect of probiotic supplementation was investigated on psychological conditions and the level of oxidative stress enzymes in athlete soldiers.Methods: This double-blind controlled trial was conducted on 40 swimmers that were randomly divided into two groups: A test group (n = 20 receiving one glass of probiotic juice daily for 12 weeks) and a control group (n = 20 receiving placebo juice for 12 weeks). The probiotic juice contained a probiotic strain of Bacillus coagulans at 1 × 10 9 CFU. The mental health status was evaluated by scoring on the POMS and the concentration of antioxidant enzymes and the total antioxidant capacity in blood samples were determined using the kits at the beginning and the end of the three-month post-test every 15 days. Results:After 12 weeks of intervention, a significant increase was observed in the antioxidants levels in the test group compared to the control group: SOD (43.10 ± 0.1000 vs. 28.25 ± 0.2500 u/mL; P < 0.0001), GPX (289.5 ± 1.500± vs. 160.0 ± 1.000 u/mL; P < 0.0001), total oxidative stress capacity (1.975 ± 0.005000 vs. 1.365 ± 0.005000 u/mL; P < 0.0001). In addition, psychological parameters were more favorable in the probiotic group than in the placebo group. Conclusions:Based on the results, the probiotic juice consumption has beneficial effects on the body's antioxidant system and mental health parameters in athlete soldiers.

Background: Athletic soldiers undergo strenuous and high-endurance training to prepare for competition. Stress and deprivation of proper nutrition can weaken the immune system in athletic soldiers. Therefore, enhancing the immune system function in addition to enhancing the performance of athletic soldiers can lead to a reduction in health costs for the military. Objectives: In this study, the effects of probiotic supplementation on the immune response of soldiers were assessed. Methods: In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, 42 athletic soldiers were randomly divided into two groups of 21 members. Participants in the probiotic group daily received one glass of fruit juice containing Bacillus coagulans (2 × 109 CFU/g). The control group consumed the placebo at the same time. At the beginning and end of the study, as well as at specific times, IgA, CD4, lactate, and urea were measured in blood samples of all participants. Results: Probiotic supplementation increased the concentration of IgA (+115.7 ± 28.3 vs. -108.3 ± 25.7 mg/dL, P < 0.001) and CD4 levels (+129.1 ± 42.6 vs. -54.5 ± 114.6 cells/µL, P < 0.001) after three months in the test group. In addition, a significant decrease was seen in serum lactate (-5.7 ± 10.1 vs. +10.1 ± 7.4. mg/L, P < 0.001) and urea (-9.9 ± 6.7 vs. +2.3 ± 5.6 mg/dL, P < 0.001) concentrations following probiotic supplementation compared to the placebo. Conclusions: Probiotic consumption for 12 weeks has a positive effect on the immune response of soldiers.

Foods supplemented with probiotics enhance athletes' immune system functions, improve body health and consequently decreases athlete's health maintenance costs. Probiotics improve immune system function against pathogens via affecting on innate immune system, humeral immunity and cytokines. The effects of consumption of Iranian probiotic Bifidobactrium bifidum (BIB2) on athletes' immune system functions were evaluated. The results showed studied immune system factors were significantly different between test and control groups, so that IgA, IgM, lymphocyte and monocytes percentage and CD4 measurements of test group were higher than control. The Bifidobacterim bifidum (BIB2) probiotic consumption can affect some immune system factors; therefore its ability to improved general health should be studied more.