Probiotics in endurance exercise performance

The gut microbiota comprises all bacteria inhabiting the intestines and has been shown to play a significant role in both health and disease. Although previously overlooked, new research shows that both the gut microbiota
and their metabolites may influence exercise performance. Probiotic supplementation has been shown to have a small but significant positive effect on endurance exercise performance, however, this research area is still in its
infancy and much about this relationship—including the underlying mechanisms responsible for the performance enhancing effects of probiotics—remains unknown. Therefore, this project aims to better understand how
probiotics affect endurance performance by employing a 4-wek probiotic intervention in trained cyclists. This research will contribute to the growing area of gut microbiota and exercise science research and may help lay
the groundwork for the future development of probiotic supplements targeting exercise performance.

Faculty Supervisor:

Raylene Reimer

Student:

Partner:

Lallemand Health Solutions Inc (Montreal, QC)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Calgary

Program: