Objective:

This study investigated the salivary immunoglobulin A response to carbohydrate supplementation during judo training.

Method:

Sixteen judokas were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: Carbohydrate solution and Placebo solution in a double-blind design. Saliva samples were collected at rest, immediately after the training session and 1 h after the training session.

Results:

The concentration of the salivary immunoglobulin A decreased during the training session in both conditions (p = 0.0002) as well as at 1 h after the training session in the placebo solution condition (p = 0.035). The rate of salivary flow decreased during the training session in the placebo solution condition (p = 0.04).

Conclusion:

Carbohydrate solution consumption during training session did not affect the athletes oral immunity, however, in the recovery period an upper-respiratory tract protection was observed.