Bacillus subtilis probiotics and methods of use for improving immune function, hormonal status, and physical performance
Methods of using Bacillus subtilis probiotic supplementation to promote lower circulating TNF-α in resistance trained males are presented. Methods of administering Bacillus subtilis probiotic supplementation to an athletic population in conjunction with a sound nutrition and training regimen are presented herein. College athletes typically undergo periods of elevated stress both physically and mentally which may negatively affect recovery and adaptation. 12-weeks of probiotic supplementation resulted in attenuated circulating TNF-α concentrations in college athletes following offseason training.
1. A method of reducing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in human serum, comprising the steps of:
(a) administering orally to a human a composition comprising Bacillus subtilis in a dose of from about 1·10 8 colony forming units (CFU) per day to about 1·10 11 CFU per day for about 12 weeks; and
(b) submitting the human to a resistance training program throughout the 12 weeks.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the resistance program includes workouts 2-3 times per week.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of measuring TNF-α in blood plasma of the human both before and after steps (a) and (b).
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises Bacillus subtilis in a dose of from about 1·10 9 CFU per day to about 1·10 10 CFU per day.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the TNF-α level is reduced by about 0.2 pg/mL in serum.
6. A method for treating or reducing inflammation in a human, comprising the steps of:
(a) administering orally to the human in need of such treatment a composition comprising Bacillus subtilis in a dose of from about 1·10 8 CFU per day to about 1·10 11 CFU per day for about 12 weeks, and
(b) measuring TNF-α in blood plasma of the human,
wherein the TNF-α level is reduced in serum.
7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising the step of:
(b) submitting the human to a resistance training program throughout the 12 weeks.
8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the composition comprises Bacillus subtilis in a dose of from about 1·10 9 CFU per day to about 1·10 10 CFU per day.
9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the composition comprises Bacillus subtilis in a dose of from about 1·10 9 CFU per day to about 1·10 10 CFU per day.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the resistance program includes workouts 2-3 times per week.
11. The method of claim 10 , further comprising the steps of measuring TNF-α in blood plasma of the human both before and after steps (a) and (b).
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the TNF-α level is reduced by about 0.2 pg/mL in serum.