The interplay between gut microbiome and physical exercise in athletes.

Area of Science:

• Exercise physiology
• Microbiome research
• Nutritional science

Background:

• The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating host health and disease.
• The bidirectional relationship between physical exercise and the gut microbiome is not fully understood.
• Athletes represent a unique population for studying exercise-microbiome interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence on the gut microbiome in athletes.
• To explore the impact of physical exercise on the gut microbiome.
• To identify key microbial metabolites and nutritional strategies relevant to athletic performance.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating the gut microbiome in athletes.
• Analysis of the effects of exercise type, volume, and intensity on the intestinal microbiome.
• Examination of the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in athletic performance and recovery.

Main Results:

• Exercise intensity and volume significantly impact the gut microbiome; strenuous exercise can be detrimental.
• Adequate training and dietary management may mitigate negative effects of exercise on the microbiome.
• Increased SCFA concentrations enhance metabolic efficiency, muscle glycogen preservation, and reduce inflammation, benefiting performance and recovery.
• Prebiotics show promise in optimizing SCFA production, while the roles of probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics are less established.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiome is integral to modulating health, performance, and recovery in athletes.
• Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are key metabolites linking the gut microbiome to athletic benefits.
• Further controlled clinical trials are needed to develop targeted nutritional strategies for the athlete's microbiome.