The human microbiota is defined as the set of microorganisms that live in symbiosis with the human body. Among its multiple functions, the microbiota promote the bioavailability of some nutrients and the metabolization of food, also protecting the intestinal mucosa from pathogenic microorganisms.
In addition to diet, lifestyle, geographic location, smoking habits, drugs and stress, the physical exercise can induce changes in the intestinal microbial composition by playing a positive role in homeostasis and energy regulation.
According to the World Health Organization, regular exercise may help to prevent cardiovascular risk, metabolic diseases, some mental and cognitive disorders as well as it can protect against several chronic diseases, and the gut microbiota might be involved in many of these beneficial effects.
This review shows recent studies on the effects of physical activities (different in terms of frequency, mode or intensity) on gut microbiota with the aim of identifying potential mechanisms by which exercise could affect gut microbiota composition and function.
Suggested by our guest Dr. Alessandro Maiorani, recent graduate in Food and Health Sciences, University of “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Italy.