Probiotics supplementation, gastrointestinal microbiota, immune response, oxidative stress, energy metabolism
Abstract
The gut microbiota, comprising bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses, plays a critical role in regulating various physiological functions in healthy adults. In athletes, strenuous physical exercise can lead to gut dysbiosis due to oxidative stress, immune suppression, and metabolic imbalance. This paper describes the effects of immunosuppression, oxidative stress and energy metabolism induced by high intensity exercise and training on the health of athlete populations. The gut microbiota is suggested to be associated with these responses. The role of probiotics in improving the gut microbiota is being recognised. Specific details of the improvement of overall health and maintenance of the stabilised gastrointestinal microbiota in athlete population through the influence of probiotic interventions on immune responses, oxidative stress and energy metabolism aspects are discussed in this paper. The positive effects of probiotic interventions in improving the health of athletic populations are suggested, but future research will be needed to determine the specific effects on sports performance.
