Examining The Relationship Between Gut Microbiota And Sports Performance: A Narrative Review
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Abstract
The microorganisms inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract play a crucial role in human health, influencing nutrient absorption, vitamin synthesis, energy extraction, inflammatory regulation, and the host's immune response. Various factors, such as age, delivery method at birth, antibiotic usage, and dietary choices, are recognized as formative elements shaping the gut microbiota. However, the impact of exercise, including associated factors like sport-specific diet, environmental conditions, and their interactions on the gut microbiota, remains less explored. High-level athletes exhibit distinctive physiology and metabolism, offering valuable insights into gut microbiota research due to their exceptional muscular strength, aerobic capacity, energy expenditure, and heat production. Given the gut microbiota's ability to influence energy utilization, immune modulation, and gastrointestinal health, it likely plays a pivotal role in athlete health, well-being, and sports performance. This understanding is particularly significant for athletes aiming to enhance competition results and expedite recovery during training. Moreover, the research extends beyond athletics, with implications for overall health and wellness in broader communities. Therefore, this narrative review aims to summarize existing knowledge on the gut microbiota in athletes and the factors influencing it, acknowledging the challenges associated with disentangling its effects from lifestyle and dietary habits.
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