Research on digestive health and sports nutrition is still emerging. The complex interactions within the gut microbiome and its role in sports & active nutrition presents exciting opportunities for the study of nutrition and exercise science to determine new insights, breakthrough products, and best practices in terms of how we adapt our new understanding of the microbiome into exercise best practices and active lifestyle habits.
The connection between the microbiome and active nutrition includes research on nutrient metabolism, immune function, cognitive performance, the role of “biotics,” as well as inflammation and recovery. While more research is needed to understand how the gut microbiome affects athletic performance, a key area of interest includes studying the level of exercise and how it affects the gut microbiome. For example, if the gut microbiome is in fact effected by exercise intensity – what impact will that have on future athletic performance and what type of supplementation, if any, is appropriate?
Over the course of this Quarterly, we take a look at the research and talk to experts across all areas of active nutrition to learn more about gut health, the microbiome and the connection to sports performance.
Elyse Lovett, MBA, MS
Editor – Move Nutrition