How do probiotics and dietary supplements help athletes?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have been looking into probiotics and dietary supplements and wanted to ask if they can be given regularly to my 17-year-old son. He is an athlete. If so, what types of probiotics would be most beneficial for his age, and how should they be administered? Also, I wanted to know more about their health benefits. Are they beneficial for general health or specific conditions? Are there any specific recommendations on dosage or form (like capsules or drinks) that I should follow?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Probiotics can be a beneficial addition to your 17-year-old son's diet, especially as an athlete, as they support gut health, which is crucial for overall well-being and athletic performance. Regular consumption of probiotics may help enhance digestion, boost the immune system, and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues, which can be particularly important for athletes facing physical stress.

When choosing probiotics, look for strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are well-researched and generally recognized as safe for adolescents. Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus are excellent options, as they can help with gut flora balance and digestion.

Probiotics can be administered in various forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and drinks. For adolescents, capsules or powder mixed with smoothies or yogurt may be the most appealing. It is essential to follow the dosage instructions on the product label; typically, a daily dose of five to ten billion CFUs (colony-forming units) is effective for general health. While probiotics are beneficial for maintaining general health, they may also aid specific conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and even upper respiratory infections.

I hope this information helps you.

Revert in case of queries.

Regards.