International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Probiotics

Figures & data

Table 1 Definitions of common terminology and classifications in probiotic research

Table 2 Example illustrating the names of a bacterium (L. rhamnosus GG) at different taxonomic levels

Fig. 1 Probiotic benefits are strain specific and probiotics must be described as genus, species and strain, as genetic variation between the same genus and species can be as significant as the difference between a human and a lemur (illustration by Stephen Somers, Milwaukee, WI, USA)

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Fig. 2 Early research indicates that gut bacteria reflect the activity level of its host. An athlete’s gut microbiota is different from a sedentary individual: increased diversity and greater abundance of health promoting bacterial species linked to exercise and increased protein intake (illustration by Stephen Somers, Milwaukee, WI, USA)

Table 3 Probiotic studies in an athletic population: performance, immune and GI health

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Table 4 Dosage range in studies investigating the effect of specific probiotic genera in athletes and physically active individuals

Table 5 Approved Canadian Probiotics Claims for Sports Performance

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