Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2025, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (14): 3051-3060.doi: 10.12307/2025.399

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The gut microbiota characteristics of athletes

Zhang Qiuping1, 2, Xu Qian1, 2, Tian Huajun1, 2, Chu Yudan1, 2, He Junliang1, 2, Ma Guoqiang1, 2, Qiu Jun1, 2   

  1. 1Shanghai Research Institute of Sports Science (Shanghai Anti-Doping Agency), Shanghai 200030, China; 2Key Laboratory of General Administration of Sport for Exercise Performance Evaluation, Shanghai 200030, China
  • Received:2024-05-08 Accepted:2024-07-06 Online:2025-05-18 Published:2024-09-29
  • Contact: Ma Guoqiang, PhD, Researcher, Master’s supervisor, Shanghai Research Institute of Sports Science (Shanghai Anti-Doping Agency), Shanghai 200030, China; Key Laboratory of General Administration of Sport for Exercise Performance Evaluation, Shanghai 200030, China
  • About author:Zhang Qiuping, MS, Associate researcher, Shanghai Research Institute of Sports Science (Shanghai Anti-Doping Agency), Shanghai 200030, China; Key Laboratory of General Administration of Sport for Exercise Performance Evaluation, Shanghai 200030, China
  • Supported by:
    Shanghai Social Development Science and Technology Research Project - “Science and Technology Innovation Action Plan,” No. 23DZ1204102 (to MGQ)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Understanding the characteristics and influencing factors of the gut microbiota in athletes can help determine the optimal gut microbial composition for relevant sport events. Further investigation in this area could provide important insights for improving athletic performance and recovery as well as developing personalized nutrition prescriptions.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize the characteristics of gut microbiota in athletes, and to elucidate the important factors influencing the gut microbiota characteristics of athletes from the perspectives of exercise training and dietary intake. 
METHODS: A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, ScienceDirect, CNKI, WanFang and VIP databases for publications from 2004 to 2024. The search terms included “microbiota, microbiome, athlete, exercise, training, diet, nutrition, dietary fiber, protein, ketogenic, fat” in English and Chinese. After excluding studies of poor quality and irrelevant content, a total of 65 articles were included for review and analysis.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The gut microbiota of elite athletes differs from that of the general population, characterized by increased α-diversity, elevated Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, increased abundance of beneficial bacteria, and enrichment of functional pathways contributing to athletic performance. (2) The type of sport and training load are closely related to the species structure and functional expression of the gut microbiota in athletes. (3) The bidirectional communication between the host and gut microbiota mediated by metabolites is an important mechanism by which exercise influences the gut microbiota. (4) Phase training typically induces adaptive changes in the gut microbiota, and alterations in the structure or function of the microbiota have lasting effects. (5) The type, quantity, and combination of macronutrients intake can significantly influence the structure and function of the gut microbiota, and interact synergistically or antagonistically with exercise training. (6) In the future, it is important to continue the exploration of the gut microbiota in athletes, clarify causal relationships, and establish new targets for exercise training interventions.

中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点:组织构建;骨细胞;软骨细胞;细胞培养;成纤维细胞;血管内皮细胞;骨质疏松;组织工程

Key words: gut microbiota, athlete, exercise, training, diet, intestinal microorganism, review

CLC Number: