The Bifidobacterim bifidum (BIB2) Probiotic Increased Immune System Factors in Men Sprint Athletes

Background: Foods supplemented with probiotics enhance athletes' immune system functions, improve body health and consequently decreases athlete's health maintenance costs. Probiotics improve immune system function against pathogens via affecting innate immune system, humeral immunity and cytokines. Objective: In this research, the effects of consumption of Iranian native probiotic of Bifidobactrium bifidum (BIB2) were evaluated on athletes' immune system functions. Methods: Fifty-six male sprint athletes aged 21 ± 3 years with weights of 78 ± 5 kg were divided into two groups, one of them received fruit juice supplemented with Bifidobactrium bifidum (BIB2) probiotic and the other group had only fruit juice as control. Blood samples were collected after fasting, then once a month, 24 h after 100 meters running the Immunoglobulin A (IgA), Immunoglobulin M (IgM), monocytes, lymphocytes and CD4 (T-helper cells) positive cells count were measured using ELISA kit, cell counter and flow cytometry, respectively. Results: The results showed that studied immune system factors were significantly different between test and control groups, so that IgA, IgM, lymphocyte and monocytes percentage and CD4 counts of test group were higher than control (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The Bifidobacterim bifidum (BIB2) probiotic consumption significantly (P< 0.05) increased the immune system factors in sprint athletes with a positive association with time of consumption.