Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2025
11:22
Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
28.0K
Gut microbiome composition: link between sports performance and protein absorption?
Péter Fritz1, Réka Fritz2, Pál Bóday3
1Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary, Faculty of Economics, Health Sciences and Social Studies, Budapest, Hungary.
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
|December 27, 2023
Summary
Elite athletes consuming plant-based protein with pre- and probiotics showed improved body composition. Gut microbiota modulation positively influenced skeletal muscle mass and body fat, enhancing athletic potential.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Microbiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Adequate protein intake is crucial for athletic performance.
- Protein absorption is influenced by factors like timing, type, and gut microbiota.
- Elite male water polo players were studied to assess protein supplement effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a vegan protein supplement with pre- and probiotics on elite water polo players.
- To analyze changes in body composition, gut microbiota, and blood parameters.
- To explore the correlation between gut microbiota composition and physiological changes.
Main Methods:
- Participants received a vegan protein supplement with or without pre- and probiotics for 31 days.
- Body composition was measured using bioimpedance analysis (InBody 970).
- Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via metagenome sequencing of stool samples.
Main Results:
- The group consuming pre- and probiotics showed significant increases in skeletal muscle mass, body cell mass, arm circumference, and protein mass.
- This group also experienced a significant decrease in body fat mass.
- Specific gut microbial pathways (acetate and propionate) correlated with muscle mass, and butyrate producers correlated with fat mass changes.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota composition can influence protein absorption, impacting body composition and athletic performance.
- Supplementation with pre- and probiotics alongside vegan protein may enhance body composition in athletes.
- Modulating the gut microbiome presents a potential strategy for optimizing athletic outcomes.
Keywords:
Protein supplementationathletesmicrobiome compositionskeletal muscle masssports performanceMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:23Anatomy of the Intestines
72.0K
Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
72.0K
01:29Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
457
The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
457
01:12Protein Absorption
190
Proteins in the gastrointestinal tract typically come from food, but they can also originate from disintegrated cells or secreted enzymes. In the stomach, the enzyme pepsin breaks down these proteins into polypeptides. The fragments then move into the duodenum as a semi-fluid mass called chyme. Pancreatic proteases, such as trypsin and chymotrypsin, and intestinal brush border enzymes like carboxypeptidases further dismantle the polypeptides into tripeptides, dipeptides, and free amino acids.
190
01:50What is Monogastric Digestion?
71.2K
The human body contains a monogastric digestive system. In a monogastric digestive system, the stomach only contains one chamber in which it digests food. Several other animal species also have monogastric digestive systems, including pigs, horses, dogs, and birds. This chapter, however, focuses on the human digestive system.
71.2K
01:05Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health
272
The gastrointestinal tract, responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, is safeguarded by the intestinal barrier, which consists of secretory, physical, and immune components. At the forefront is the secretory barrier, composed of essential elements such as mucus, gut microbiota, and defense proteins. They collaborate to break down food particles, facilitate nutrient absorption, and maintain optimal gut health. These secretory components ensure the smooth functioning of the...
272
02:11The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
35.5K
Plants have the impressive ability to create their own food through photosynthesis. However, plants often require assistance from organisms in the soil to acquire the nutrients they need to function correctly. Both bacteria and fungi have evolved symbiotic relationships with plants that help the species to thrive in a wide variety of environments.
35.5K