Introduction: Various environmental and genetic factors, such as inflammation caused by intense sports activity affect the immune system response of athletes. One way to prevent the inflammatory process and help the immune system is probably to take anti-inflammatory drugs such as cinnamon. This study aimed to investigate the effect of one-week cinnamon supplement consumption on the immune responses to one session of exhaustive exercise in active boys.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in a single-blind method. The statistical population of the research was male collegiate athletes of Shiraz University. Twelve healthy subjects (age: 22 ± 1.93 years, height: 172.56 ± 6.56 cm, weight: 66.56 ± 11.54kg) participated in the study voluntarily and in a crossover method. Two participants refused to continue the research due to the injury. Participants performed Bruce's exhaustive exercise test in two situations of supplement consumption and placebo. Participants consumed 500 mg of cinnamon supplement or a similar placebo per day before exercise sessions for one week. Blood samples were taken before and 15 minutes following the exercise. A dependent t-test was used for data analysis and a significant level was set at p<0.05.
Results: Cinnamon supplementation did not have a significant effect on the number of monocytes before and after exhaustive exercise (P=0.154), but cinnamon supplementation reduced significantly exercise-induced changes in neutrophils (decrease), lymphocyte (increase), and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (decrease). P values were 0.015, 0.012, and 0.02, respectively.Conclusion: Daily consumption of 500 mg of cinnamon supplement for one week reduces the body's immune response following exhaustive physical activities, and thus, improves performance and strengthens the athletes' immune system.