Kefir Is a Viable Exercise Recovery Beverage for Cancer Survivors Enrolled in a Structured Exercise Program

Purpose This study investigated the effects of 12 wk of postexercise kefir consumption in cancer survivors who have undergone chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Methods All participants were enrolled in a structured exercise training program and separated into kefir (KEF) or control (CON) treatment groups. KEF consumed 8 oz. of kefir after exercise sessions (3 d center dot wk(-1)) for 12 wk. Outcome measures included assessments for body size and composition, aerobic fitness and muscular strength, medical history, and psychological state at pre- and postintervention time points. Blood was collected and analyzed for C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations, and LPS-stimulated whole blood IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha production were obtained using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays at both time points. Monocyte numbers and phenotype were obtained using flow cytometry. Results Participants (N = 24; 9 males and 15 females) were an average of 61 +/- 9.9 yr old. Kefir consumption was associated with 6.3% (P = 0.034) improvements in lean body mass, as well as 51.4% (P = 0.046), 39.3% (P = 0.017), and 64.7% (P = 0.021) improvements in measures of depression, fatigue, and gastric distress, respectively. KEF also experienced a significant 35.4% (P = 0.01) reduction in circulating LPS along with an 18.0% increase (P < 0.001) in classical monocytes % and a 22.3% decrease (P = 0.04) in nonclassical monocytes %. There were no significant changes in any other variables. Conclusion Twelve weeks of kefir consumption improved lean body mass, depression, fatigue, gastric distress, and a biomarker of gut dysbiosis. Kefir improved overall and classical monocyte numbers. Kefir should be considered as a component of a postexercise dietary regimen for cancer survivors.

Automated summary

The study found that 12 weeks of kefir consumption improved lean body mass, depression, fatigue, and gastric distress in cancer survivors. Kefir also significantly reduced circulating LPS levels and increased classical monocyte numbers.