The gut microbiome is a collection of genetic information of the microbiota that provides information about the presence of microorganisms and the functional capacity of the ecosystem.
Due to the potential of the gut microbiota, its impact on athlete’s performance, and the influence of diet on its composition, the influence of the gut microbiome as a strategy for athlete’s seeking to optimize performance has become an important research topic in recent times. Therefore, the aim of this report is to present the roles that a healthy gut microbiome plays in the health and performance of athletes. It aims to define the impact of diet on microbiota composition and how we can improve overall health (such as improving the condition of the gut epithelium, immune system response, or response to stress) and efficiency (such as enhancing energy availability from diet and controlling inflammation levels in athletes).
Gut microbes live in mutual symbiosis with the host and play a crucial role in maintaining the host's overall health and homeostasis. They significantly influence gut development, regulate immunity, and assist in digestion and nutrient absorption. The main contribution of the gut microbiome to host physiology is associated with microbial metabolism. The gut microbiota is responsible for covering approximately 10 % of our daily calorie intake, partly through the synthesis of SCFA from complex indigestible plant polysaccharides in the proximal colon. SCFA is a subgroup of fatty acids that can enter the systemic bloodstream and affect human physiology (Imdad, Lim, Kim, & Kang, 2022).
The purpose of this review is to integrate research on diet, exercise, and the gut microbiota to highlight what is known and point out future directions for further research on optimizing the interaction between diet, sports, and the gut microbiome for the health and improved performance of athletes.
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