EC Nutrition

We evaluated the effects of a dietary supplement combination on upper-respiratory tract complaints (URTCs) and psychological mood state. Thirty-five male (19) and female (16) runners consumed an oil blend (500 mg of black cumin seed oil plus 1,500 mg fish oil) or a placebo daily during the 4 week supplementation period (3 weeks before and 1 week following a marathon or half-marathon competition). We collected subjective and objective measures before and after supplementation. Subjects completed the profile of mood state (POMS) psychological assessment and a health log questionnaire measuring health status and URTCs (subjective measures), as well as provided saliva samples and fecal samples for measurement of cortisol and microbiome balance, respectively (objective measures). Subjects in the supplementation group (black seed/fish oil blend) reported significantly fewer upper-respiratory tract complaints (URTCs) and better overall well-being, as well as higher omega3 blood levels, lower cortisol and superior microbiome indices, compared to placebo. These results suggest that the combination of black cumin seed oil plus fish oil may improve immune system vigilance and overall well-being following the stress of endurance training and competition, possibly via improvements in the microbiome and Gut-Immune-Axis.

Keywords: Upper-Respiratory Tract Complaints (URTCs); Profile of Mood State (POMS); Black Cumin Seed Oil; Fish Oil; Gut-Immune-Axis

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