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Study under review: Effect of Intestinal Microbiota on Exercise Performance in Mice
Introduction
Scientists already know exercise causes oxidative stress in athletes. If oxidative stress is chronic and unchecked, it may lead to premature fatigue and a decreased rate of recovery[1]. Otherwise, oxidative stress from exercise is involved in adaptation and muscle growth. The body has enzyme systems in place to keep excessive oxidative stress in check. The study under review uses mouse models to determine if gut bacteria influence exercise performance, and whether or not it can be concurrently linked with antioxidant protein status.
The microbiome is defined as the population of microorganisms in an environment. Humans have an incredibly large variety of microorganisms living in communities in our gut, on our skin, among our nether regions , and on other parts of our bodies. Bacteria may be the most talked-about residents of the hot new microbiome neighborhood, but other major classes of microorganisms such as fungi and archaea also reside there, and may also help explain links between diet and health.
The extensive health effects of the human microbiome only came to light in the 1990s, and as a result intestinal microbiota have become a popular topic of research in recent years. Links have been established between gut microbes and many diseases[2], including psychological conditions. The bacteria in our guts have an interesting symbiotic relationship with us. Gut bacteria make vitamins and send signals to our immune system, and are critical to the production of neurochemicals such as serotonin[3].
Previous evidence suggests there is a connection between our gut microbiome and our health, so the researchers set out to determine if gut bacteria could influence exercise performance. If such a link exists, it would set the stage for research investigating whether it is possible to manipulate the gut microbiome for ergogenic benefit.
Who and what was studied?
What were the findings?
What does the study really tell us?
The big picture
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know?
Other Articles in Issue #02 (December 2014)
- Interview: Bojan Kostevski, MD
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Resveratrol and high-intensity interval training
Resveratrol supplementation does not augment performance adaptations or fiber-type–specific responses to high-intensity interval training in humans.
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Diet: The whole is greater than the sum of its parts
Discussing the benefits of food (not just supplements) and diet on health, while examining our diet as a whole.
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Quantifying the effect of water intake on mood
Effect of changes in water intake on mood of high and lower water drinkers.
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Don’t forget the cocoa
Enhancing dentate gyrus function with dietary flavanols improves cognition in older adults. Research shows that chocolate provides a variety of health benefits — many related to cardiovascular health.
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Effects of omega-3s on brain function from infancy to old age
Effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation on cognitive function throughout the lifespan from infancy to old age: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
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Gut bugs and fiber: A novel way to keep dyslipidemia at bay?
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prebiotics and synbiotics effects on glycaemia, insulin concentrations and lipid parameters in adult patients with overweight or obesity.
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Vitamin C and E supplementation may hinder strength training
Vitamin C and E supplementation alters protein signalling after a strength training session, but not muscle growth during 10 weeks of training.
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Whey and guar gum: unlikely heroes for people with diabetes
Effect of a lose dose whey/guar preload on glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes- a randomized controlled trial.
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Interview: Shou-Ching Jaminet, Ph.D., Cancer Researcher
Shou-Ching is a molecular biologist and cancer researcher at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, and Director of BIDMC’s Multi-Gene Transcriptional Profiling Core.