Microbiota in sports

Abstract

The influence of microbiota on the human body is currently the subject of many studies. The composition of bacteria colonizing the gastrointestinal tract varies depending on genetic make-up, lifestyle, use of antibiotics or the presence of diseases. The diet is also important in the species diversity of the microbiota. This study is an analysis of the relationships between physical activity, diet, and the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract in athletes. This review shows the differences in the microbial composition in various sports disciplines, the influence of probiotics on the microbiome, the consequence of which may be achieved even better sports results. Physical activity increases the number of bacteria, mainly of the Clostridiales order and the genus: Lactobacillus, Prevotella, Bacteroides, and Veillonella, and their number varies depending on the sports discipline. These bacteria are present in athletes in sports that require a high VO2 max. The players’ diet also influences the composition of the microbiota. A diet rich in dietary fiber increases the amount of Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium bacteria, probiotic microorganisms, which indicates the need to supplement the diet with probiotic preparations. It is impossible to suggest an unambiguous answer to how the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract changes in athletes and requires further analyzes.

Effect of Preoperative Oral Antibiotics and Mechanical Bowel Preparations on the Intestinal Flora of Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Single-Center Prospective Pilot Study

“…As suggested in previous studies, we found that the characteristics of cancer patients, including sex, are related to the bacterial flora of the intestinal mucosa [ 20 - 24 ]. Previous studies have reported that the abundance of Bacteroides is related to physical activity in athletes and gait speed in healthy elderly women [ 25 , 26 ]. Another study reported a negative correlation between Enterobacteriaceae and gait speed in Parkinson’s patients [ 27 ].…”

The alteration of oral microbiota before and after training in swimmers

“…Physical activity increases the amounts of bacteria mainly in the Clostridiales order and Lactobacillus, Prevotella, Bacteroides, and Veillonella species, and their numbers may vary depending on the sport type that the individual is involved in. These bacteria are mostly abundant in athletes whose sports activity requires high VO 2 max (37). Physical activity has been shown to have an effect on the qualitative and quantitative differentiation of the microorganisms capable of producing butyrate such as Clostridiales or Firmicutes (38).…”

Coadaptation mechanism of the gut microbiota and human organism to physical loading

“…It binds to the Toll-like receptor-4 of immune-competent cells and an inflammatory process occurs. At the same time, physical activity decreased the amount of lipopolysaccharide and stimulated the immune system (Mańkowska et al, 2022).…”