It’s not just muscle and skill that power Ireland’s rugby team – the real secret to success may be in their guts.
We already know that ‘friendly’ bacteria in our human digestive tract bring many health benefits.
They help us to break down food and support our immune system. This good bacteria is known as gut microbiome and is a growing area of investigation by scientists who want to find out why it influences our well-being so much.
Now this gut microbiome in athletes, including elite rugby players, has been found to play an important role in helping to fuel their performance, according to scientists in University College Cork (UCC).
Dr Orla O’Sullivan, senior researcher, said the findings can benefit whole areas of exercise, fitness and nutrition, which support sports people and the wider population.
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