Gut Microbiota Diversity in Lean Athletes Is Associated with Positive Energy Balance

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> In contrast to obesity, little is known about the human lean phenotype associated with gut microbiota composition. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> We aimed to investigate whether the bacterial composition of lean athletes with a positive energy balance differs from the equal-calorie food group. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Twenty-four male participants were included in this cross-sectional study: lean athletes with a positive energy balance (LA, <i>n</i> 12) and control group athletes (CTRLs, <i>n</i> 12). Nutritional data, resting and total energy expenditure, and body composition were determined. DNA was extracted from stool samples and subjected to 16S rRNA gene analysis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> We found 7 differentially abundant bacterial taxa between the LA and CTRL groups. Of those, 5 were significantly less abundant and 2 were enriched in the LA group. The following categories significantly associated with the community structure were identified: body fat parameters, BMI, energy intake and expenditure, oxygen consumption, and respiratory exchange ratio. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Although we are far from a detailed interpretation of lean human body maintenance, the primary findings of our study suggest that gut microbial composition may be a factor influencing the regulation of weight gain in lean athletes with a positive energy balance.

Exploring the Dynamic Relationship between the Gut Microbiome and Body Composition across the Human Lifespan: A Systematic Review

“…The body composition assessment was achieved by using WHO growth charts or BMI z-scores in children, while the BMI was used for both adults and older adults. Apart from the BMI, eight studies in children [ 23 , 24 , 27 , 31 , 55 , 58 , 60 , 69 ], 19 studies in adults [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 45 , 61 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 68 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 ], four studies in older adults [ 46 , 48 , 74 ], and one study in the whole age range [ 49 ] conducted further body composition measurements, such as the body fat percentage, visceral fat, lean body mass percentage, waist circumference, and waist/hip ratio.…”

“…The 32 studies with adults as the target group were published between 2011 and 2021, with sample sizes ranging from 20 to 263 participants, while countries from all over the world were included. Three studies included athletes in their samples [ 34 , 39 , 64 ]. Nineteen studies were cross-sectional, one was longitudinal, 11 were clinical trials, and one was a comparative study.…”

“…Twenty-three studies were rated as “moderate quality” (score 5–7): eight from the children category [ 24 , 30 , 56 , 57 , 59 , 60 , 69 , 75 ], 11 from the adult category [ 33 , 35 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 42 , 61 , 63 , 73 , 76 , 77 ], three from the older adult category [ 47 , 48 , 74 ], and one from the whole age range category [ 53 ]. Thirty-five studies were rated as “high quality” (score > 7): 10 from the children category [ 23 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 31 , 32 , 55 , 58 ], 19 from the adult category [ 16 , 34 , 40 , 41 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 78 , 79 ...…”

Exploring the Influence of Gut Microbiome on Energy Metabolism in Humans

“…A total of 20 articles were included; Table 1 summarizes observational studies [ [25] , [26] , [27] , [28] , [29] , [30] ], and Table 2 summarizes intervention studies with randomized controlled trials (parallel-arm [ [31] , [32] , [33] , [34] , [35] , [36] , [37] ] and crossover [ [38] , [39] , [40] , [41] , [42] ]) or single-arm interventions [ 43 , 44 ].…”

Fecal Microbiota Monitoring in Elite Soccer Players Along the 2019–2020 Competitive Season

“…Physical exercise intensity and pattern have been reported to affect the composition of the human gut microbiota and associated Fecal Microbiota Monitoring in Elite Soccer Players Along the 2019-2020 Competitive Season metabolites [7][8][9][10], although it is undeniably difficult to separate the effect of exercise from that of other variables, nutrition above all [11,12]. Recently, the composition and functionality of the gut microbiota in professional athletes have been the focus of numerous studies [11,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. Such interest has several drivers: first, the gut microbiota is strongly involved in the regulation of energy storage and production [20], an aspect of utmost importance for maintaining optimal performances during the different phases of training [21].…”