EFFECTS OF PROBIOTICS SUPPLEMENTATION ON HEALTH AND EXERCISE PERFORMANCE

There is evidence that probiotics have potential to be beneficial for our health. It was reported that probiotics are linked to positive changes in microbiota composition, improving intestinal health and homeostasis of the immune system and through this, enhancing the other functions of the body. The purpose of this study was to synthesize the available knowledge on the effects of probiotics on physical exercise, identify the mechanisms of actions by which probiotics could improve performance directly and indirectly, and verify whether probiotics have any ergogenic effect. The study was performed in the PubMed database without limitation of the publication period. The keyword combination used were: “Probiotics”, “Sports”, “Exercise”, and “Athletes”. There is no evidence found that the probiotics have ergogenic effect on sport or physical exercise. However, the consumption of probiotics may reduce the severity of respiratory infections and gastro-intestinal disturbances when they occur. Also, some probiotics can increase antioxidant levels and neutralize the effects of reactive oxygen species. Through positive effect on intestinal microbiota, probiotics can influence mood, stress responses and sleep quality of athletes and thus can have positive effects on athletic performanc