Multi-strain probiotic reduces URTI symptoms in marathon runners: Brazilian study

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — 07 May 2021

New research from Brazil highlights the immune-modulating potential of a multi-strain probiotic in endurance athletes. A study conducted by researchers from the Federal University of São Paulo and the University of São Paulo found that a specific five-strain probiotic blend, when administered for 30 days prior to a marathon, reduced the incidence and severity of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms post-race. For the week following the event, 100% of the placebo group reported at least one URTI symptom, contrasting sharply with 71% in the probiotic intervention group.

The probiotic formulation comprised 1 billion CFU each of Lactobacillus acidophilus-LB-G80, Lactobacillus paracasei-LPc-G110, Lactococcus subp. lactis-LLL-G25, Bifidobacterium animalis subp. lactis-BL-G101, and Bifidobacterium bifidum-BB-G90. This combination modulated cytokine production by monocytes, suggesting a direct immune system benefit. This evidence reinforces existing understanding that strenuous exercise, such as marathon running, can suppress immune function, increasing susceptibility to URTIs.

Dr. Ralf Jaeger, lead author of the International Society of Sports Nutrition’s (ISSN) position paper on probiotics, affirmed that this study supports prior findings regarding probiotic supplementation for athlete immune health. The ISSN paper previously identified specific strains like Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Bl-04 and Limosilactobacillus fermentum VRI-003 (PCC) as beneficial for reducing URTI severity and duration in endurance athletes. This new Brazilian research adds further specific strain combinations to the evidence base.

The study, published in Nutrients, involved 14 healthy male marathon runners. Participants self-reported URTI symptoms using the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS—21). The results demonstrated a 29% lower incidence of URTI symptoms in the probiotic group compared to placebo. While the study acknowledged a small sample size, the researchers concluded that probiotic supplementation represents an efficient and effective strategy to mitigate the deleterious effects of strenuous exercise on the immune system, by preserving immune response and cell functionality.

What this means for Brazil

Brazilian brand owners have an immediate opportunity to innovate within the rapidly expanding sports nutrition market by launching products specifically targeting athlete immune support. This research offers direct ingredient guidance, allowing for precise formulation of multi-strain probiotic supplements based on the five strains identified. Given the strong efficacy data (29% reduction in URTI symptoms), manufacturers can develop compelling marketing claims under ANVISA regulations, focusing on post-exercise recovery and immune resilience. Procurement leads should assess the availability and cost of these specific probiotic strains to ensure competitive product pricing and margin maintenance. This also presents an opportunity to capture market share from generic immune health products by offering a science-backed, athlete-specific solution.

What this means for the UK

For UK supplement manufacturers, this study provides actionable insights for product development in the sports and active nutrition categories. Brands can formulate specific multi-strain probiotic products, leveraging these five identified strains to target immune support for endurance athletes. The 29% reduction in URTI symptoms observed offers robust data for consumer-facing claims, subject to FSA and ASA compliance. This allows for differentiation in a competitive market by offering science-backed solutions for athletes looking to mitigate post-exercise immune suppression. Procurement teams should identify and secure reliable supply chains for these specific probiotic strains to ensure manufacturing consistency and manage lead times.

This trend is being actively addressed by UK manufacturing partners including Supplement Factory.