THE INFLUENCE OF GUT MICROBIOTA ON PERFORMANCE IN ATHLETES

Gabriela Barszcz; Natalia Bębenek; Monika Błądek; Karolina Drygała; Sylwia Wit; Paulina Frączkiewicz; Izabela Harpula; Radosław Ramotowski; Justyna Bogdan; Benedykt Baljon; Patryk Brzezicki

doi:10.31435/ijitss.4(48).2025.4463

Gabriela Barszcz Faculty of Medical Sciences, Collegium Medicum, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0127-6225
Natalia Bębenek Faculty of Medical Sciences, Collegium Medicum, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6976-6698
Monika Błądek Faculty of Medical Sciences, Collegium Medicum, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1939-0891
Karolina Drygała Faculty of Medical Sciences, Collegium Medicum, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0049-3856
Sylwia Wit Faculty of Medical Sciences, Collegium Medicum, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9866-2092
Paulina Frączkiewicz 5th Military Clinical Hospital SPZOZ in Kraków, Kraków, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4163-2843
Izabela Harpula Clinical Provincial Hospital No. 2 in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3167-159X
Radosław Ramotowski Clinical Provincial Hospital No. 2 in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2880-7788
Justyna Bogdan CM Łańcut Sp. z o.o., St. Michael the Archangel Hospital, Łańcut, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8599-3656
Benedykt Baljon CM Łańcut Sp. z o.o., St. Michael the Archangel Hospital, Łańcut, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0843-4627
Patryk Brzezicki Infant Jesus Clinical Hospital, University Clinical Centre, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1788-807X

DOI: https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.4(48).2025.4463

Keywords: Gut Microbiota, Physical Activity, Competitive Athletes, Gut Barrier Defense Mechanisms

Abstract

Introduction and objective: The gut microbiota, consisting mainly of bacteria, plays a key role in human health, including athletes. Its composition can be modulated by diet, antibiotics, stress, and physical activity. The aim of this paper is to present the influence of the gut microbiota on athletes' performance and to assess the potential benefits of probiotic supplementation.

Review methods: The literature search for this review was performed using the PubMed database and other available literature sources and the following keywords: gut microbiota, physical activity, competitive athletes, gut barrier defense mechanisms.

A brief description of the state of knowledge: The gut microbiota has protective functions, fermenting undigested carbohydrates, synthesizing vitamins, and metabolizing lipids. Studies suggest that the microbiota can improve metabolic and immune function, which reduces mental fatigue and improves performance in athletes. Probiotic supplementation can increase endurance, aerobic capacity, and recovery from exercise, as well as reduce gastrointestinal symptoms. Probiotics may also affect the mental and cognitive health of athletes through mechanisms related to the gut-brain axis.

Conclusions: The gut microbiota plays a significant role in the health and performance of athletes. Probiotic supplementation can provide a variety of benefits, including improved performance, recovery, and mental health. Additionally, it can improve the bioavailability of key nutrients such as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), supporting muscle recovery and performance. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal doses and strains of probiotics, as current evidence, although promising, remains limited and not fully validated.

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THE INFLUENCE OF GUT MICROBIOTA ON PERFORMANCE IN ATHLETES

Abstract

References

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