Sports Nutrition and Supplementation in Physically Active Individuals to Modulate Immune Response

Sports practice increases the physical and biochemical demands on the muscle, accompanied by significant metabolic changes, such as accumulation of toxic compounds, increased nutrient consumption, and alterations in the cells' physical, thermal, and mechanical conditions. Neuroendocrine adaptations to the demands of athletic activity also modify local and systemic immune function, contributing to increased immune system activity. This increased activity is accompanied by an increased rate of metabolism, which requires energy sources, substrates for biosynthesis, and regulatory molecules, ultimately derived from the diet. Several vitamins (A, B6, B12, folate, C, D, and E) and trace elements (zinc, copper, selenium, iron) have been shown to play a key role in supporting the human immune system and reducing the risk of infections. Other essential nutrients are also important, including other vitamins and trace elements, amino acids, and fatty acids. Each of the above nutrients has immune system support functions. During intense days of training and competition, athletes often need to ingest supplements such as protein, micronutrients, minerals, or immunomodulatory agents that are directly related to improving performance and concentration, reducing fatigue, enhancing recovery and improving health, educating and regulating the immune system or resistance against minor infections, which seem to occur more frequently when athletes are undergoing very intense training. In addition, intestinal dysbiosis is a characteristic of athletes subjected to strenuous efforts. Dietary approaches to achieving a healthy microbiota may also benefit the immune system.

This Research Topic aims to contribute to providing knowledge on the impact of food, dietary ingredients/supplements, and natural products on the systemic and intestinal immune system, health, and recovery of athletes concerning physical performance by presenting current and novel research to provide information on immune status, intestinal microflora, inflammation, muscle damage, hormonal behavior and sports performance in athletes that will guide food and supplement consumption.

In this research topic, we welcome submissions of original research, review, and mini-review articles focusing on, among others, the following topics:

Immunoregulatory mechanisms of action of food ingredients, nutritional supplements, and natural products on innate and adaptive immune responses in athletes.

Immunological effects of foods, natural products, and nutrients on sports performance.

Dietary modulation of microbiota composition, function, and metabolism in athletes.

Role of foods and supplements on inflammation in sports practice.

Modulation of immune responses by dietary components, natural products, functional foods, and nutritional supplements in sports practice.