Physical acute exercise has typically been associated to states of immunosuppression, and therefore to a greater risk of infections; especially of the upper respiratory tract. After acute exercise, the numbers of lymphocytes decline, the proliferation of T cells drops drastically, and the concentration of lgA in saliva is low.

It has been demonstrated that, when in situations of immunity stress, dietetic supplements based on a formula of nucleotides is essential to maintain a correct humoral and cell response of the immunity system.

The objective of the present study is to evaluate if the regular consumption of a nutritional complement (InmunActive®) containing an exclusive nucleotide formula (Imunil), developed by BIOIBERICA, improves the immunity response capabilities of sportspersons subjected to strenuous exercise.

A randomized, double blind nutritional intervention study was designed. 20 sportspersons participated: they were divided in two groups (n=10) that received, over a 32-day period, doses of 600 mg/day of the placebo product, or of the nucleotide formula, respectively.

Before starting treatment, all sportspeople were subjected to an effort test to exhaustion, using a cyclic ergometer (Ergoline 900) for more than one hour at 70-80% VO2 max.

After the first test all sportspersons did took the assigned products for 32 days, and then again took the effort test.

Blood samples were extracted before and after each test to analyse the proliferation of lymphocytes in vitro, lymphocyte profile and count, and biochemical profile.

The study results demonstrated that a supplement of InmunActive significantly improves the immune response of individuals subjected to physical stress.

As it is explained in depth in the bibliography listed below, acute exercise causes a reduction in the lymphocyte proliferation index.

In the initial test, both groups of sportspersons presented a reduction in total lymphocyte proliferation as a result of the acute exercise (CD4+ and CD8+). In the final test, after four weeks of treatment with the experimental products, it can be observed how, in the placebo group, there is still a reduction in lymphocyte proliferation, while in the group treated with InmunActive® no reduction can be observed, despite having performed the same effort as the control group.

In addition, there are significant statistical differences in the reaction of CD4+ (P<0.01) and a trend in the reaction of total lymphocytes (P=0.07).

75% of participants consuming the product noticed improvements in their performance (less colds, more vitality with less hours’ sleep, better post-exercise recovery, etc…)

Taking of InmunActive® as an oral supplement by healthy individuals subjected to physical stress over a four week period causes an improvement of their immunity function that, in turn, gives way to improved vitality and health.

Results presented in the 14th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science. Oslo, Norway, June 2009.