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Fermented Milk Drink With Lacticaseibacillus Paracasei Strain Shirota Helps Triathletes With Cold-Like Symptoms Before and After a Race
Sponsor: Federal University of São Paulo
Summary
This study aims to evaluate whether a fermented milk drink containing the probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota (LCS), commonly found in Yakult®, can help reduce upper respiratory symptoms in triathletes before and after competition. Athletes often experience cold-like symptoms due to physical stress, intense training, and immune system challenges. The study investigates whether daily consumption of this probiotic drink can help improve immune response and reduce the incidence or severity of symptoms such as sore throat, nasal congestion, or coughing. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study involving healthy adult triathletes. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the probiotic drink or a placebo for a specific period before and after a triathlon event. Symptoms and health markers will be tracked through questionnaires and biological samples. The goal is to explore whether probiotic supplementation can provide practical, non-pharmacological support for athletes' immune health and well-being during intense physical activity.
Official title: A Multi-Center, Double-Blind, Randomized, Parallel Group Study to Evaluate the Effect of Fermented Milk Containing Lacticaseibacillus Paracasei Strain Shirota (LCS) on the Upper Airway Symptoms of Triathletes Both Before and After a Competition
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
20 Years - 60 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
80
Start Date
2025-08-13
Completion Date
2025-11-05
Last Updated
2026-10-15
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Intervention Name: Fermented milk containing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota. Intervention Name: Non-fermented milk (placebo)
Participants will ingest 80 mL per day of fermented milk containing 40 billion colony-forming units (CFU) of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota (LcS), starting 30 days before a triathlon competition and continuing until 14 days post-race. The fermented milk is stored refrigerated and consumed once daily.
Non-fermented milk (placebo)
Participants will ingest 80 mL per day of non-fermented milk identical in taste, appearance, and packaging to the probiotic drink, but without Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota. Administration follows the same schedule as the probiotic group.
Locations (1)
Federal University of Sao Paulo
São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil