Multi-Micronutrient Supplementation and Immunoglobulin Response in Well-Fed Firefighters

Abstract

Intensive physical training programs can affect the immune system. This study aims to verify the multi-micronutrient supplementation effects on serum immunoglobulins levels prior to and after a five-week physical training program. Twenty-four male recruit firefighters were randomly allocated into supplemented (with Prisfar Ever-Fit Plus over 35 consecutive days) and placebo groups (n=12 each). Serum immunoglobulins G, A, and M were assessed. Supplementation effect was detected for immunoglobulin G (eta-squared, η²: 0.09; p=0.035; power: 0.56), A (η²: 0.24; p=0.001; power: 0.95), and M (η²: 0.09; p=0.036; power: 0.56). Although immunoglobulin A was different between groups at baseline (mean difference: 42.58; 95%CI: 7.00 to 78.16 mg/dL; p=0.021; d=2.48), within-group (before vs. after five weeks) showed no differences for both supplemented and control groups. In addition, even if immunoglobulin G and M were similar at baseline, immunoglobulin G decreased (mean diff.: 46.4; 95%CI: 6.7 to 86.1 mg/dL; p=0.03; d=0.74) and immunoglobulin M increased (mean diff.: −10.7; 95%CI: −15.8 to −5.5 mg/dL; p=0.001; d=−1.33) in the control group. Although mean values remained within the reference values, changes observed for immunoglobulin G and M may reflect some immune protection for firefighters engaged in recruit training.

Key words

exercise - immunoglobulin - nutrition - firefighters - training

Publication History

Received: 26 March 2020

Accepted after revision: 22 October 2020

Article published online:
17 December 2020

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