Lactobacillus helveticus Lafti L10 Supplementation Modulates Mucosal and Humoral Immunity in Elite Athletes

Danica M. Michalickova, Marija M. Kostic-Vucicevic, Milica Dj. Vukasinovic-Vesic, Tamara B. Stojmenovic, Nenad V. Dikic, Marija S. Andjelkovic, Brizita I. Djordjevic, Bojana P. Tanaskovic, Rajna D. Minic

In order to test the influence of probiotic supplementation on humoral immune response a double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Thirty athletes (24 males and 6 females, females: VO2max 38.2 ± 4.9 ml/kg/min, age 23.2 ± 1.4 years; males: VO2max 57.5 ± 9.2 ml/kg/min, age 24.0 ± 2.4 years, mean ± SD) were randomized either to the probiotic group (L. helveticus Lafti® L10, 2 x 10 CFU), or to the placebo group. Serum and saliva samples were collected at the baseline and after 14 weeks. Total and specific anti-bacterial antibody levels of IgM, IgG and IgA classes were determined towards different bacteria in the serum, while in saliva total and specific anti-bacterial IgA levels were examined. Total IgM was elevated in both probiotic (18%, 15 to 20%; mean, 90% confidence interval; p=0.02) and placebo group (35%, 22 to 47%; p=0.02), without observed differences in changes between the groups. No significant changes in IgM levels specific for tested bacteria were found. Total IgG level was constant in both groups. A significant (16%, -2.8 to 35%, p=0.04) reduction of anti - Enterococcus faecalis IgG was noted in the placebo group, in comparation to the probiotic group. There was a substantial decrease in total IgA level in the placebo group, when measured either in serum (15%, 12 to 18%, p=0.04) or in saliva (35%, -1.4 to 53%, p=0.03). The significantly reduced levels of serum anti-LAB IgA antibodies in the placebo group compared to the probiotic group were detected for L. rhamnosus LA68 for (24%, 5.8 to 42%, p=0.02) and for L. rhamnosus LB64 for (15%, 2.7 to 27%, p=0.02). Probiotic administration could have beneficial effects on systemic humoral and mucosal immune responses.