Performance-enhancing bacteria found in the microbiomes of elite athletes

[Wally]

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2019-06-performance-enhancing-bacteria-microbiomes-elite-athletes.amp

New research has identified a type of bacteria found in the microbiomes of elite athletes that contributes to improved capacity for exercise. These bacteria, members of the genus Veillonella, are not found in the guts of sedentary people.

By taking a closer look at the bacteria, the researchers from Joslin Diabetes Center determined Veillonella metabolizes lactic acid produced by exercise and converts it into propionate, a short chain fatty acid. The human body then utilizes that propionate to improve exercise capacity. The results were reported today in Nature Medicine.

By taking a closer look at the bacteria, the researchers . . . determined Veillonella metabolizes lactic acid produced by exercise and converts it into propionate, a short chain fatty acid. The human body then utilizes that propionate to improve exercise capacity. . . .

Lactic acid is produced by the muscles during strenuous exercise. The Veillonella bacteria are able to use this exercise by-product as their main food source. . . .

Colonies of bacteria residing in our guts have a powerful impact on our health. Exercise is an important component of a healthy lifestyle meant to ward off diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Many people with metabolic disorders are not able to exercise at the level needed to see such benefits. Supplementing their microbiome using a probiotic capsule containing Veillonella could give them the boost they need for effective exercise. (Direct dosing with propionate pill would not work, as the short chain fatty acid would be broken down by digestive juices before it could take effect.) Dr. Scheiman has since spun this idea off into a company targeted at athletes.

Meta-omics analysis of elite athletes identifies a performance-enhancing microbe that functions via lactate metabolism, Nature Medicine (2019). DOI: 10.1038/s41591-019-0485-4 , https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-019-0485-4

 

[Wishful]

Hmmm, I wonder if this is a 'adds .5% extra metabolic energy to a body operating at levels only .00000000001% of the human population can manage' type of finding, which will then get blown out of proportion by marketers. I don't have the energy to read the whole paper to find out.