The human gut microbiota contains thousands of different bacterial taxa, as well as various archaea, eukaryotic microbes and viruses, more than three million genes, and harbors an enormous metabolic capacity. Microorganisms in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are involved in nutrient uptake, vitamin synthesis, energy use, inflammatory modulation, and host immune response. In contrast, numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors can affect the gut microbiota. Important factors such as age, delivery route (normal/cesarean section), antibiotic use and diet can shape the gut microbiota. The role played by exercise, especially factors such as sport/exercise-specific diet, environment, stressors, and their interactions on the gut microbiota are less well defined. , energy expenditure and heat production) and provide unique insights into gut microbiome research. Additionally, with its ability to harvest energy, modulate the immune system, and influence mucosal and brain health, the gut microbiota is likely to play an important role in athlete health, well-being and sports performance.
Factors Shaping Gut Microbiota
Many factors such as age, genetics, drug use, stress, smoking and diet can all affect the microbial composition of the gut, affecting a complex ecosystem that is highly dynamic and individual. For example, the way we are born and raised can result in significant differences in the composition of the gut microbiota. To these factors; Examples include vaginal delivery, formula feeding or breastfeeding, living near a dog, cat, or farm animal, the number of antibiotic treatments administered, and environmental toxin exposure.
Athlete/Exercise-Related Gut Microbiota
Athletes Establishing consistent relationships has been problematic in studies conducted in physically active groups such as Furthermore, factors such as training history, level of physical fitness, training environment, and dietary intake all have the potential to significantly influence study results, making it difficult to detect exercise/athletic regimen-related differences in gut microbiota.
18-40 studies performed on anorexia nervosa patients (n = 18), athletes (n = 20), normal weight (n = 26), overweight (n = 22), and obese women (n = 20) In a study conducted on 106 women between the ages of 15 and 18; Lower microbial richness was observed in obese and anorexic individuals compared to athletes.
Professional male rugby players (n = 40) from 86 male groups aged 23-35 and healthy height, age and gender matched controls (n = 46) In another study with The microbiota of the athletes were found to be more diverse at the functional level compared to both low and high BMI control groups. In addition, the athletes had an enriched SCFA (Short-chain fatty acid) profile and higher levels of the metabolite TMAO (Trimethylamine N-oxide).
Although the evidence is limited, the microbiota of active individuals includes health-promoting bacteria such as A. muciniphila. It exhibits the abundance and increasing diversity of species. Body composition and physical activity are positively correlated with diverse bacterial populations.
Impact of Exercise on the Gut Microbiota
Overall, the mechanisms by which physical activity can promote a rich bacterial community have not been fully elucidated, but likely intrinsic and extrinsic factors. contains a combination. For example, physically active individuals are more likely to be exposed to the environmental biosphere (for example, time spent outdoors) and to follow an overall healthy lifestyle and, as a result, have a richer microbiota. Concomitantly, intrinsic adaptations to endurance training such as decreased blood flow, tissue hypoxia, and increased GI transit and absorption capacity can lead to changes in the GI tract. Repeated aerobic exercise sessions can increase GI transit time in healthy individuals and middle-aged patients with chronic constipation. Also, a by-product of exercise and metabolites circulating in the body (eg lactate) can be filtered through the gut and serve as an energy source for certain bacterial taxa (eg Veillonella).
A single acute session of prolonged excessive exercise can have a detrimental effect on bowel function. Intense exercise redistributes blood from the splanchnic circulation to actively breathing tissues. Prolonged intestinal hypoperfusion (insufficient blood supply to the organ or extremity) disrupts the mucosal balance and causes intestinal cell damage. Intestinal ischemia (reduction or complete cessation of blood flow to the tissue) may result, especially in the case of dehydration, manifesting as abdominal cramps, diarrhea or sometimes bloody diarrhea. This negative effect is especially true in endurance sports. The result is increased intestinal permeability, thought to be driven by phosphorylation of several tight junction proteins. These events sensitize the intestinal mucosa to endotoxin translocation (transition of bacterial endotoxins from the intestinal lumen into the circulatory system in the body). Exercise may be an important intervention to alter gut microbiota composition and restore gut symbiosis. However, excessive and/or prolonged high-intensity exercise may not produce these effects.
Impact of Athletes' Diet on Gut Microbiota
In terms of human research, examining the effect of energy intake and energy expenditure on the gut microbiota. there are few studies. Much of this research has been done on studies of obesity, weight loss, and malnutrition in children. In general, when obese and thin individuals are compared, both the diversity of gut microbiota and the ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmmicutes decreased in obese individuals. Enhanced gene enrichment has been reported during weight loss and weight stabilization interventions in obese and overweight individuals. In contrast to high energy intake and obesity, even less is known about the gut microbiota in malnutrition. In general, energy balance is an overlooked factor in relation to the athletic gut microbiota. It's not just about improving performance. Not only is it relevant, but also in addressing the health status of those affected by RED-S (relative energy deficiency syndrome in athletes). Energy balance is currently an overlooked factor in relation to the athletic gut microbiota, particularly in those affected by RED-S. Diet is an established modulator of gut microbiota composition and activity, and marked changes in microbiota composition are seen within 24 hours of dietary change. Protein intake appears to be a potent modulator of microbiota diversity with protein supplementation such as whey, showing potential benefits that need further study in humans. Plant-derived proteins have a significant effect on the gut microbiota, but this issue needs to be investigated in athletes.
Higher carbohydrate and dietary fiber intake in athletes appears to be associated with increased Prevotella abundance. The absence of complex carbohydrates in elite athletes' diets can adversely affect gut microbiota composition and function over time. Many athletes may not be consuming enough fiber, which feeds the commensal bacteria that produce beneficial byproducts for host metabolism and homeostasis. Increased dietary fiber intake is associated with microbial richness and/or diversity. The specific effects of the oil on the gut microbiota are difficult to isolate; however, the types of fat consumed seem important.
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