A new study by the University of Kentucky has linked impaired muscle growth to a damaged or ‘dysbiotic’ gut microbiome, low in biodiversity.
The research was carried out on two groups of mice, one of which had a damaged microbiome from previously using antibiotics.
Simply put, the muscle does not grow as much in a mouse with a disrupted gut microbiome as a result of antibiotic treatment, compared with a mouse with a healthy gut microbiome.
"This suggests that for muscles to grow following exercise, an intact microbiome is necessary in mice."
Professor McCarthy concluded that “a healthy gut microbiome will contribute to getting the most benefit out of regular exercise in terms of skeletal muscle.”
This could have huge uses in sports world, giving rise to a whole new area of treatment and supplements.
In general, looking after your microbiome seems to be a good idea for whole body health.
Therefore, the question is: will this research be replicated in the Human gut microbiome? If it does, will this revolutionise sports recovery and performance?
