Objective: We studied the prevalence of asthma and allergy in non-elite marathon runners and investigated the effects of probiotic supplementation on allergic inflammatory markers.
Methods: Asthma and allergies were surveyed by questionnaire, and blood eosinophils, serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), total IgE, and Phadiatop were measured in 141 Finnish marathon runners who took part in the Helsinki City Marathon. They were also randomized to receive either Lactobacillus GG (LGG) or placebo during the 3 months of the pollen season prior to the marathon.
Results: Lifetime prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma was 4.3% (six out of 139 athletes), of allergic rhinitis 17.3% (24/139), of food allergy 5.0% (7/139), and of atopic eczema 4.3% (6/139). Prevalence of atopy was 31% (35/112), and 21% (24/112) of the athletes were sensitized to birch pollen. Asthma or allergy medication was used by 20% (28/139) of the athletes. During pollen season, serum ECP increased significantly in all athletes, and total IgE and Phadiatop in atopics. The marathon induced a significant eosinopenia but had no effect on serum ECP or total IgE. No differences in changes were seen between groups receiving LGG or placebo.
Conclusion: Non-elite marathon runners have asthma and allergies similar to Finnish general population. LGG supplementation did not prevent the increase of allergic markers during the pollen season, or the eosinopenia induced by the marathon.