The effects of a nucleotide supplement on salivary IgA and cortisol after moderate endurance exercise.

AIM

The aim of this work was to determine the ergogenic effects of a nucleotide supplement on salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and cortisol (C) responses after prolonged endurance cycle exercise.

METHODS

Fourteen moderately trained male subjects (mean body mass and VO2max) completed 2 90-min cycle ergometer trials (60% VO2max) prior to and after 60 days of either a nucleotide (E group, n=7) or placebo (P group, n=7) supplement. Each of the subjects provided an unstimulated saliva sample prior to and following the exercise for determination of SIgA and C.

RESULTS

SIgA was significantly lower after exercise trials in both E and P groups (P<0.0001) prior to as well as after the supplementation period. However, SIgA was significantly higher (P<0.01) in the E group than the P group after supplementation. There were no significant (P>0.11) differences in pre-exercise C level. Postexercise C concentrations were significantly (P<0.001) higher than pre-exercise levels in both groups of subjects. However, after the supplementation period, C concentration was significantly (P<0.0001) lower after exercise in E compared to P.

CONCLUSIONS

This work suggests that a nucleotide supplement, given chronically may offset the hormonal response associated with demanding endurance exercise.