Immunonutrition support for athletes.
Multiple components of the immune systems in athletes exhibit transient dysfunction after prolonged, heavy exertion. During this "open window" of impaired immunity, pathogens may gain a foothold, increasing infection risk. Nutritional supplements have been studied as countermeasures to exercise-induced immune changes and infection risk. This review focuses on findings from recent exercise-based studies with macro- and micronutrient supplements, and "advanced" immunonutrition supplements including beta-glucan, curcumin, and quercetin. Results from these studies indicate that immunonutrition supplements have the potential to lessen the magnitude of exercise-induced perturbations in immune function and to reduce the risk of upper respiratory tract infections.
Department of Health and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina 28608, USA. niemandc@appstate.edu
David C
DC
Nieman
D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000502:physiology*; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000209:etiology; D013177:Sports