Microbiota & sport: competitive micro-organisms

Physical exercise

To celebrate a year 2024 rich in sporting events, the Biocodex Microbiota Institute is highlighting the role of the microbiota in health and sport. Could gut microbiota be our invisible coach? Find out below.

About this article

Created 22 April 2024

Updated 16 May 2024

Bacteria, viruses, fungi (including yeasts) and even parasites: a whole flora, known as the “gut microbiota”, inhabits our digestive system.

And it's all for our own good: the intestinal microbiota aids digestion, contributes to the maturation of our immune system, protects us from pathogens and intestinal toxins, and so on. This list of benefits is far from exhaustive, as the gut microbiota has many other strings to its bow, including when it comes to sport: this invisible coach could help us in our efforts, improve our times and motivate us for training sessions!

02.08.2021 The gut microbiota Read more

Conversely, physical activity modulates the composition of our microbiota, favoring certain bacteria capable of optimizing our performance. Just like microbiota, physical exercise is also a question of balance, and even moderation: training too intensely can be counter-productive and unbalance this virtuous circle. Give it your all, but don't burn out!

The prospects opened up by the discovery of these links between microbiota, the digestive system and sport are immense: can we optimize athlete performance through a personalized approach to microbiota?

Dive into the heart of a microscopic world to discover this bidirectional relationship with our muscular and mental performance.

Dive into microbiota and sport exhibition

Exhibition: “Microbiota, the invisible coach"

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Microbiota & sport: a photo exhibition highlights the fabulous powers of this invisible coach

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Find out more about the link between microbiota and sport

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Expert opinion

Dr. Henrik Roager is an Associate Professor and researcher at the University of Copenhagen. He leads the Microbiome & Metabolomics research group, focusing on how gut microbiota contributes to digestion, health, and athletic performance. Watch the video to know what Dr. Henrik Roager has to say about the contribution of microbiomes in sports.