The Effects of Bifidobacterium Infantis 35624 on Inflammatory Markers and Exercise Performance in Collegiate Female Swimmers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 (B. infantis35624) has on exercise performance, inflammation/immune function, and cognitive outlook during a six week exercise training phase in collegiate female swimmers. Using a two-group matched, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, seventeen NCAA Division 1 female swimmers were assigned to either group and supplemented daily for six weeks a 1 x 109 CFU dosage of B. infantis35624 (n=8) or placebo (n=9). Both groups underwent an intensive six week swim and resistance training program. Exercise testing (aerobic/anaerobic swim time trials and force plate vertical jump) as well as serum and salivary samples (cytokine and gastrointestinal (GI) inflammatory and immune markers) were collected pre, mid (week 3), and post (week 6). Recovery-stress questionnaire for athletes (RESTQ-Sport) was administered at baseline and at the end of each training week. Study data was analyzed by Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) by time point design with the respective baseline values of each dependent variable being the covariate. The B. infantis35624 group had a significant reduction in the anti-inflammatory marker IL-1ra (p = 0.029, ηp2 = .296) and a noted statistical trend for a decrease in salivary IgA (p = 0.060, ηp2 = .231) in comparison to placebo at mid-point. The B. infantis35624 group had significantly higher RESTQ-sport values in the sport recovery than the placebo group. B. infantis35624 in Division 1 female swimmers does not directly influence exercise performance, but did influence markers of inflammation/immune function as well as cognitive outlook during six weeks of exercise training.