Effect of pearl millet diet onimmunomodulating factors, physical performance and recovery in athletes: a randomised control trial

A pearlmilletbased diet may help modulate inflammatory cytokines and support better recovery in athletes exposed to high training stress. Its rich profile of fiber, minerals, and antioxidants suggests potential benefits for reducing inflammation and enhancing physical performance. However, evidence in athletic populations remains limited, prompting investigation into its functional impact. To explore the effect of pearl millet diet on immunomodulating factors, physical performance and recovery in athletes. A randomised controlled trial was conducted among male athletes aged 18-25 years (n = 60), who were randomly allocated into an experimental group (EG; n = 28) and a control group (CG; n = 30). The EG received a pearl millet-based diet (1/3 substitution of regular cereals with pearl millet) for 60 days, while the CG continued with their habitual cereal diet. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included body composition, immunomodulatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α, Hs-CRP), and measures of physical performance and recovery.Between-group differences at post-intervention were analysed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), adjusting for baseline values. Within-group changes were assessed using paired sample t-tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The experimental group showed a significant increase in muscular strength (kg) from 35.3 ± 7.59 to 42.8 ± 9.14. VO₂ max (mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) increased from 47.8 ± 4.76 to 49.5 ± 4.79, while resting heart rate (beats/min) decreased from 80 ± 10.56 to 75 ± 11.16. Additionally, cumulative time (min) increased from 10.7 ± 4.12 to 12.8 ± 4.51, and distance covered in the endurance test (m) improved from 1359.0 ± 556.74 to 1565.7 ± 571.20.No significant changes were observed in serum Hs-CRP (mg/L), TNF-α (pg/mL), or IL-6 (pg/mL) levels in the EG. A 60-day pearl millet dietary intervention may enhance strength and endurance performance in the EG. However, it did not appear to produce notable changes in most immunomodulatory markers or recovery indicators.