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Review
. 2024 Jun;13(2):251-263.
doi: 10.1007/s13668-024-00527-x. Epub 2024 Mar 12.

An Updated View of the Effect of Probiotic Supplement on Sports Performance: A Detailed Review

Miray Nur Aykut  1 , Esma Nur Erdoğan  1 , Menşure Nur Çelik  2 , Murat Gürbüz  3
Affiliations
Review

An Updated View of the Effect of Probiotic Supplement on Sports Performance: A Detailed Review

Miray Nur Aykut et al. Curr Nutr Rep. 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Modulation of the host microbiota through probiotics has been shown to have beneficial effects on health in the growing body of research. Exercise increases the amount and diversity of beneficial microorganisms in the host microbiome. Although low- and moderate-intensity exercise has been shown to reduce physiological stress and improve immune function, high-intensity prolonged exercise can suppress immune function and reduce microbial diversity due to intestinal hypoperfusion. The effect of probiotic supplementation on sports performance is still being studied; however, questions remain regarding the mechanisms of action, strain used, and dose. In this review, the aim was to investigate the effects of probiotic supplements on exercise performance through modulation of gut microbiota and alleviation of GI symptoms, promotion of the immune system, bioavailability of nutrients, and aerobic metabolism.

Recent findings: Probiotic supplementation may improve sports performance by reducing the adverse effects of prolonged high-intensity exercise. Although probiotics have been reported to have positive effects on sports performance, information about the microbiome and nutrition of athletes has not been considered in most current studies. This may have limited the evaluation of the effects of probiotic supplementation on sports performance.

Keywords: Aerobic capcacity; Intestinal barrier function; Probiotic; Sports performance.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Decision tree used to determine a candidate probiotic
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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