Gut microbiota: implications for sports and exercise medicine

Cronin, Owen; O'Sullivan, Orla; Barton, Wiley; Cotter, Paul D.; Molloy, Michael G.; Shanahan, Fergus

Gut microbiota: implications for sports and exercise medicine

Files

Cronin_et_al_editorial_BJSM_submitted_V2.pdf(237.7 KB)

Accepted Version

Date

2017-01-11

Authors

Cronin, Owen

O'Sullivan, Orla

Barton, Wiley

Cotter, Paul D.

Molloy, Michael G.

Shanahan, Fergus

Publisher

BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and the British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine

Published Version

10.1136/bjsports-2016-097225

Abstract

Technological progress in high-throughput sequencing and advanced bioinformatic techniques, have facilitated a deeper understanding of the gut microbial influence on human health. Collectively known as the gut microbiota, the trillions of microbes including bacteria, viruses and fungi, which reside within the gut, are now recognised as significant contributors to human (host) health. Patients with non-communicable diseases such as metabolic syndrome, obesity and inflammatory bowel disease, demonstrate distinct microbial alterations. This has prompted vigorous pursuit of the mechanisms by which this microbial ‘organ’ influences host health. This branch of medicine has already revealed exciting avenues for disease treatment, from the discovery of novel antibiotics to the treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection. The scale and spectrum of microbial influence is substantial and elegant studies have linked the presence or absence of specific microbes with immunity, neurodevelopment and even behavioural disturbances. The potential impact of microbiome science extends to the specialties of Sports Medicine and particularly to Exercise Medicine.

Keywords

Human physiology , Genetics , Diet , Immunity , Energy provision , Cerebral function , Cognition , Behaviour , Microbiota

Citation

Cronin, O., O'Sullivan, O., Barton, W., Cotter, P.D., Molloy, M.G. and Shanahan, F. (2017) ‘Gut microbiota: implications for sports and exercise medicine’, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(9), pp. 700-701. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-097225