Probl Hig Epidemiol 2019, 100(2): 130-135pl

Consumption of probiotics among professional sportspeople

Paulina Mazur-Kurach ^1/, Florentyna Tyrała ^2/, Aleksandra Pięta ^2/, Barbara Frączek ^2/, Ewa Klocek ^3/

1/ Zakład Fizjologii i Biochemii, Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego im. Bronisława Czecha w Krakowie
2/ Zakład Medycyny Sportowej i Żywienia Człowieka, Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego im. Bronisława Czecha w Krakowie
3/ Krakowska Wyższa Szkoła Promocji Zdrowia

Summary
Introduction. Intensive and long physical exertion may affect the disorder of intestinal flora and disorder in the structure and function of the intestinal barrier. Intensive physical exertion, especially without proper regeneration, in conditions of exposure to unfavourable environmental factors may lead to disorders of intestinal microflora and an increased permeability of the intestinal barrier.
Aim. The purpose of the tests was the assessment of the frequency of consuming probiotic products and supplements in a group of Polish professional sportspeople depending on sex and the nature of the sports discipline practised.
Material & methods. The tests were conducted with the diagnostic survey method among 83 professional Polish sportspeople. In the tests the author´s questionnaire was used concerning the consumption of probiotic products and supplements.
Results. From among the probiotic products taken into account, the sportspeople most often used natural yoghurt, sour cucumbers, sour cabbage and rye bread on started dough. Fixed supplementation of the diet with probiotics was declared by 7.2%, and periodic by 10.8% of the group (77.1% of professionals do not take any probiotic preparations). Whereas, 42.2% of the examined persons administered probiotics during antibiotic-therapy, most often with the recommendation of a physician (7.0%).
Conclusion. Low frequency of products which constitute natural sources of probiotics was shown, and limited usage of probiotic components which may cause intestinal disorders and lowering of total health potential among Polish professional athletes.

Key words:  probiotics, professional athletes, supplementation