Effects of Daily Probiotic Supplementation on Football Player’s Stress and Anxiety

Psychobiotics derived from probiotics which contain psychotropic properties, and with correct administration can positively affect the psychological states. Athletes who go through strenuous training are more vulnerable to undergo stress and anxiety. Thus, the objective of this study is to determine the effect of daily probiotics supplementation on stress and anxiety among the football players. The randomised, doubleblinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted using 20 male footballers (age 19.0 ± 0.72 years) who received either probiotic (Lactobacillus Casei Shirota 1×10 CFU strain) or placebo supplement over 8 weeks. Competitive state anxiety and perceived stress were measured at the baseline, week 4, and week 8 during the intervention. Statistical analysis using t-test revealed that probiotic group significantly decreased the cognitive state anxiety scores (18.20 ± 3.94 vs. 23.11 ± 4.81, p = 0.026), somatic state anxiety (13.00 ± 2.83 vs.16.78 ± 3.03, p = 0.012) and perceived stress scores (12.30 ± 1.70 vs. 14.67 ± 1.66, p = 0.007) but no statistical significant was found in self-confidence (34.80 ± 3.16 vs. 32.89 ± 3.62, p = 0.236). Therefore, daily probiotic supplementation is a promising approach to regulate stress and anxiety among football players and it may indirectly improve athletic performances.