The Bidirectional Role Between Gut Microbiota and Sports Performance

Abstract

This chapter explores the bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiota and sports performance, providing a comprehensive synthesis of current scientific evidence. The influence of the microbiota on energy metabolism, inflammation, and immune function in athletes is addressed, emphasising its potential role in performance and recovery. It is also discussed how different intensities and types of exercise can impact the microbiota differently, and how the microbiota itself can influence the performance of athletes. Various nutritional strategies are covered, such as how different dietary patterns and the use of prebiotics, probiotics, and symbiotics can shape the microbiota and optimise performance. The chapter highlights the importance of nutritional approaches focusing on athletes' microbiota being individualised and tested, as the conclusions of studies in this area are still mixed. It concludes with a call for standardised research methodologies to deepen understanding and improve applications of the gut microbiota in performance improvement.