Effect of 4-week kefir consuming on immune system after a long period of submaksimal exercise

The study was carried out to examine effect of 4-week Kefir consuming on immune system after a long period of submaksimal exercise at intensity of 60% of MaxVO2. 21 moderate trained men participated in the study. Subjects were seperated in 3 groups randomly; 1- experimental group (Kefir), 2- control group, and 3- Plasebo group (yoghurt). MaxVO2 of subjects were determined by Bruce Treadmill Test Protocol. After 1-week of rest subjects performed a 90 min of running at an intensity of 60% of MaxVO2. Blood samples were drawn before and after exercise sessions. IgA, IgG, IgM, leucocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monoccyte, eosinophil, basophil were analyzed in blood serum. After pre-test, subjects in experimental group consumed 500 ml of Kefir each day (2x250 ml) for 4-week. After 4 weeks, and 90 min of running tests were repeated and blood samples were drawn before and after exercise. Data were analyzed and evaluated by using SPSS Statistical Packet Program.In conclusion, after 4- week of Kefir consuming, increase in levels of lymphocytes, monocyte, basophil decreased in Kefir group. However, there was no significant difference in IgA, IgG, IgM, leucocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, levels (p>0.05). It was found that there was a decrease in level of basophil and an incease in level of eosinophil in yogurt group during 90 min of submaximal running after 4-week of yogurt consuming. However there was no significant difference in levels of IgA, IgG, IgM, leucocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monoccyte in yogurt group after for 4-week of yogurt consuming (p>0,05). According to the results of this study, it can be declared that Kefir consuming effected the immune systems parameters of subjects during long period of submaximal running by supporting some components of the immune system.