August 24, 2015

While exercise has many benefits, the physical strain of strenuous exercise tends to depress the immune system, which can be a problem for athletes.

Recent research done in Japan indicates that the amino acids cysteine and theanine could help boost immunity and prevent infections for people engaging in intense physical activity.

A study of endurance athletes at Juntendo University outside of Tokyo found that ten days of distance running (about 7 to 8 miles a day) resulted in an increase in blood levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, and a decrease in the blood lymphocyte count, a marker of immunity.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial a group of athletes was given a combination of two amino acids, cysteine (700 milligrams per day) and theanine (280 milligrams per day).

The amino acids cysteine and theanine helped to prevent exercised-induced inflammation, maintain immune function, prevent infections and reduce symptoms of infections for the athletes in this trial.