The Effects of Enzymes and Flavonoids on Inflammation and Coagulation After Marathon

The influence of extreme physical stress, such as that experienced during marathon competition, on the inflammatory system and coagulation has been investigated. However, up until now, countermeasures against these adverse effects are not adequately identified.

Immune-modulators (e.g. flavonoids) are known to be present in fruits and vegetables. There are also several different proteolytic and hydrolytic enzymes found in fruits most of whom are attributed protective properties. Therefore, 160 trained and untrained runners will consume a mixture of different enzymes and flavonoids (Wobenzym Plus®) or PL 1 (placebo) and effects on changes in inflammation and hemostasiologic parameters will be investigated during and after extreme physical stress (participation in a marathon race). The clinical result of the perturbation of the immune system will be assessed by the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS-24) with regard to symptoms of the upper respiratory tract system.

It is hypothesized that the intake of a product with immunomodulatory potential (Wobenzym Plus ®, consisting of hydrolytic enzymes and flavonoids) can positively influence both inflammation and blood coagulation pertubations observed after a marathon race.

Inclusion criteria

• • Healthy male
• Age 20-65 years
• History of at least one successfully finished half marathon
• Intention to participate at the Munich Marathon 2013
• Subject is able to read, understand, and sign a written Informed Consent to participate in the Enzy-MagIC-Study

Exclusion criteria

• Known cardiac disease
• Known allergy against the active ingredient of the study medication or pineapple, papaya, or kiwi
• Known severe coagulopathy
• Known lactose intolerance
• Pharmaceutical treatment for diabetes mellitus or arterial hypertension
• Acute or chronic renal failure
• Acute or chronic liver disease
• Acute or chronic infection or inflammatory disease
• Use of medications or supplements influencing immune function
• Musculoskeletal or psychiatric disease
• Neoplasia
• Participation in other interventional trials