Probiotics in sports and physical exercise

Gut microbiota is impacted by several factors, highlighting dietary intake and exercise. Athletes seem to have some beneficial adaptations, including an increased abundance and diversity of gut bacterial composition, but with the increase of exercise intensity or volume, athletes can manifest negative repercussions, as intestinal dysbiosis and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, with reduced performance and increased disease risk. Some nutritional strategies have been discussed to attenuate GI symptoms and health impacts of intestinal dysbiosis in this population, and probiotics seem to be a potential strategy to prevent or treat GI tract dysfunctions. Further studies are needed to focus on the definition of the ideal supplementation time, the quantity, viability, and probiotic strains most appropriate for the type and intensity of physical exercise.