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Does the Intestinal Microbiome Impact Athletic Performance?
Melissa M Crowson1,2, Stephen A McClave3
1University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA. Melissa@GoCards.com.
Current Gastroenterology Reports
|August 23, 2020
Summary
Research on elite athletes and the gut microbiome is emerging. Dietary interventions targeting gut health show promise for enhancing athletic performance, representing a new frontier in sports nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Microbiome Research
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Current sports nutrition primarily focuses on external dietary factors like macronutrient intake.
- The gut microbiome's role in athletic performance is an area of growing interest.
- Limited research specifically examines the gut microbiome in elite athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on the gut microbiome in elite athletes.
- To identify potential sports performance strategies and interventions related to the gut microbiome.
- To expand knowledge on the link between gut health and athletic capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on elite athletes and the gut microbiome.
- Analysis of theoretical applications of microbiome research in sports.
- Synthesis of findings from conducted studies in elite athletic populations.
Main Results:
- Few studies have directly investigated the gut microbiome in elite athletes.
- Promising evidence suggests dietary strategies targeting the gut microbiome could offer future interventions.
- A shift towards internal focus on gut health may provide a competitive edge.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiome represents a potential new frontier for athletic performance enhancement.
- Dietary interventions aimed at modulating the gut microbiome warrant further investigation in elite athletes.
- Prioritizing gut health could become a key strategy in sports nutrition.
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