The effect of fish oil, vitamin D and protein on URTI incidence in young active people

Da Boit, M., Gabriel, B.M., Gray, P. and Gray, S.R. (2015) The effect of fish oil, vitamin D and protein on URTI incidence in young active people. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 36(5), pp. 426-430. (doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1394464) (PMID:25664999)

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Abstract

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) are a frequent illness among athletes. We investigated the effect of a multi-nutrient supplement (vitamin D, fish oil and protein) on the occurrence of URTI in young active people. 42 young recreational athletes were randomly assigned to receive either supplementation (550 mg DHA, 550 mg EPA, 10 µg vitamin D3 and 8 g whey protein) or placebo for 16 weeks. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected by passive drool. Samples were analysed for IgA (sIgA) concentration and the secretion rate extrapolated by multiplying concentration by saliva flow rate. Physical activity levels and URTI incidence were monitored by questionnaire. Training status was not different between the 2 groups. There were no differences in the incidence, severity and duration of URTI. However the number of symptom days was lower in the supplemented compared to the control group (1.72±1.67 vs. 2.79±1.76; P<0.05). sIgA concentration and secretion rate did not differ between groups. This study demonstrates that 16 weeks of supplementation with fish oil, vitamin D and protein did not modify the incidence, severity and duration of URTI, although the total number of symptom days was reduced, in a healthy active population.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Gray, Professor Stuart
Authors: Da Boit, M., Gabriel, B.M., Gray, P., and Gray, S.R.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Journal Name:International Journal of Sports Medicine
Publisher:Georg Thieme Verlag
ISSN:0172-4622
ISSN (Online):1439-3964
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2015 Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgar
First Published:First published in International Journal of Sports Medicine 36(5):426-430
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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