Probiotics, gut microbiota and physical activity: A close relationship

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Human Health
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Gut microbiota (GM) plays a crucial role in human health and disease prevention.
• Probiotics are increasingly recognized for their beneficial effects on the GM.
• The interplay between diet, GM, and probiotics requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how physical exercise influences gut microbiota composition and diversity.
• To explore the potential of probiotics in modulating exercise-induced changes in the GM.
• To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the relationship between physical activity, GM, and probiotics in humans.

Main Methods:

• Review of studies examining the effects of physical exercise on gut microbiota.
• Analysis of research on probiotic interventions and their impact on GM.
• Synthesis of existing literature to understand the combined effects of exercise and probiotics.

Main Results:

• Physical exercise can alter the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota.
• Probiotics may facilitate beneficial changes in the GM in response to physical activity.
• Significant variability exists in the types and timing of exercise interventions and probiotic use across studies.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity is a modulator of the gut microbiota.
• Probiotics show potential in enhancing the health benefits of exercise.
• More research is needed to establish optimal protocols for combined exercise and probiotic interventions.