Scientists say certain species are more abundant in marathon runners after race.
From go-faster stripes to energy gels, athletes have long sought ways to boost their performance. Now researchers say bacteria might also offer a helping hand.
Scientists say they have found that certain species of bacteria in the gut appear to be more abundant in marathon runners after a race. They also claim that when such bacteria were transferred into mice, the creatures showed an enhanced athletic performance.
The team said the link could be down to the way these bacteria break down lactate, a substance linked to fatigue during exercise. Lactate is created when the body uses glucose to produce energy under limited levels of oxygen.
Dr Orla O’Sullivan, a researcher in the APC Microbiome Institute at University College Cork in Ireland, said the research added to a burgeoning array of studies looking at the impact of the gut microbiome and probiotics on sporting performance.
