Selenium-Biofortified Probiotics: A Synergistic Microbial-Nutritional Strategy Against Exercise-Induced Stress

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Microbiology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Exercise induces physiological stress, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut barrier dysfunction.
• Conventional selenium or probiotic supplements have limitations in bioavailability and efficacy.
• Selenium-biofortified probiotics combine selenium's antioxidant properties with probiotics' gut-modulating functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential and mechanisms of selenium-biofortified probiotics for alleviating exercise-induced physiological stress.
• To review the synergistic effects of selenium and probiotics in a single entity.
• To discuss their application in sports nutrition.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on selenium-biofortified probiotics and exercise physiology.
• Analysis of microbial biotransformation processes for selenium biofortification.
• Examination of proposed mechanisms of action, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gut barrier effects.

Main Results:

• Selenium-biofortified probiotics enhance endogenous antioxidant defenses via selenoproteins.
• They modulate immune responses to reduce post-exercise inflammation.
• They maintain intestinal barrier integrity and may influence the gut-muscle axis.

Conclusions:

• Selenium-biofortified probiotics present a promising synergistic strategy for managing exercise-induced stress.
• Animal studies show positive effects, but human trial results are inconsistent.
• High-quality human trials are necessary to establish optimal protocols for precision sports nutrition.