Turmeric, Vitamin C And Vitamin D Ready-to-drink Supplement Reduces Illness Symptoms In Elite Male Footballers

PURPOSE: Elite football training and match-play involves intense activity and heightens the risk of illness and injury. Whilst a complete and varied diet is paramount, supplementation of key dietary compounds can reduce illness risk. Vitamin C and vitamin D are important micronutrients for optimal immune function, and turmeric, containing high amounts of curcumin, may reduce inflammation. Whether these compounds consumed in a ready-to-drink product can reduce illness symptoms, has not been studied in an elite population. This study assessed the effects of a turmeric, vitamin C and vitamin D supplement, on upper-respiratory symptoms (URS), gastro-intestinal symptoms (GIS), muscle soreness, and markers of inflammation and gut permeability, in elite male footballers. METHODS: Twenty-three footballers completed a 3-week no intervention period (CON), followed by a 16-week intervention consuming a daily 60 mL ready-to-drink supplement containing raw turmeric root (17.5 g), vitamin C (1000 mg), and vitamin D3 (3000 IU) (SUP). Footballers logged daily URS and GIS throughout both trials. Immediately after six competitive matches (two in CON, four in SUP), subjective leg and whole-body soreness ratings and a blood sample, to assess plasma concentrations of inflammation markers (creatine-kinase [CK] and C-reactive protein [CRP]) and a gut permeability marker (intestinal fatty acid binding protein [I-FABP]), were collected. Soreness and inflammatory blood marker measurements were repeated 40 and 64 h post-match. RESULTS: Relative URS incidence (10.6 vs. 3.9 per 1000 player days; P < 0.001), GIS (111 vs. 43 per 1000 player days; P < 0.05) and plasma [I-FABP] (P < 0.05) were greater during CON compared to SUP. At 40 h, [CRP] was greater than 0 h during CON (P < 0.01), but not during SUP (P = 0.204). There were no differences in muscle soreness or [CK] between trials. CONCLUSIONS: This applied study indicates that a ready-to-drink supplement containing turmeric, vitamin C and vitamin D may reduce URS, GIS and post-match [I-FABP] in elite footballers.