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For a healthy gut flora and top athletic performance
The quest for peak athletic performance is not just about serious training and a targeted diet. Another crucial factor that also has a significant influence on performance is the microbiome: the ecosystem of bacteria, viruses and fungi that colonises our body and plays a key role in our health and physical performance. This microbiome can be influenced by taking live bacterial cultures (known as probiotics), which have a positive effect on the entire organism. Among other things, they support digestion, promote a healthy intestinal environment and thus immune function, Furthermore, they also interact with the entire organ system. In terms of athletic performance, they can even indirectly improve it and shorten recovery time (1).
Athletes who want to improve their performance, shorten their recovery time and increase their well-being can therefore benefit from regular intake of such bacterial cultures. For this reason, SPONSER has developed SPORT BIOTICS, a dietary supplement that is precisely tailored to this purpose.
The advantages and benefits of probiotic bacteria
Improved digestion and nutrient absorption
Probiotics promote the optimal absorption of nutrients from food in the intestinal mucosa, providing the body with more energy and building blocks it needs for intensive training sessions. For example, a study has shown that the activity of digestive enzymes is significantly improved by taking Bacillus coagulans BC99 (a probiotic strain known for its health benefits and based on a spore-forming, lactic acid-producing bacterium) (2).
Strengthening the immune system
Intense physical activity can weaken the immune system. Probiotic bacteria support the intestinal flora, which is important for a healthy immune system. As a result, the body's defences can be strengthened, and the risk of illness-related absences reduced.
Relief from gastrointestinal complaints
The microbiome is very diverse and changeable. Not all bacteria in the gut are beneficial to our well-being. People who frequently suffer from flatulence may have an imbalance in their colon. Taking a mixture of bacteria that promotes diversity in the bacterial flora can restore balance and contribute to general well-being.
Faster recovery after exercise
Probiotics can also promote faster recovery by reducing stress on the metabolism and supporting the body during recovery (1).
Improved crosstalk between organs
It is now widely known that there is crosstalk between the gut and the brain. Various studies indicate that the gut also communicates with other organs. For example, the metabolic products of guts bacteria can interact with the skin, muscles, liver and even the hormonal system. The gut thus plays a central role in regulating our body via the microbiome, and this should be given the necessary attention when optimising nutrition (3).
Improved performance in sport
The large number of bacterial strains and their unique effects on any individual currently make it practically impossible to reduce the strains to specific functions. However, there is promising scientific research that shows improved performance in strength and aerobic endurance with regular use. The mechanisms of action are extremely complex and involve increased or decreased hormone release (testosterone, cortisol, etc.), better nutrient utilisation or the use of metabolic products (short-chain fatty acids, lactate) as additional nutrient sources (4).
SPORT BIOTICS by SPONSER: developed for the needs of athletes
SPORT BIOTICS has been tailor-made for the needs of athletes. The product contains a targeted combination of six live bacterial strains, totalling 23 billion bacteria for health and performance. Each strain in the mixture has been studied in human trials and selected based on its positive results to obtain the most targeted combination possible for athletes. The combined properties contribute to improved health and well-being, which is essential for physical performance in training and competition. The SPORT BIOTICS dietary supplement also allows the body to recover more quickly after intensive training sessions.
Those who take SPORT BIOTICS daily and follow a balanced, fibre-rich diet provide their body with the nutrients it needs for a healthy microbiome in competitive sports.
Literatur
1) Mohr A. E. et al. (2020): The athletic gut microbiota in: J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2020 May 12;17(1):24.
2) Cao L. et al. (2024): Weizmannia coagulans BC99 Improves Strength Performance by Enhancing Protein Digestion and Regulating Skeletal Muscle Quality in College Students of Physical Education Major, in: Nutrients. 2024 Nov 21;16(23):3990.
3) Druml W. (2018): Intestinaler Crosstalk: Der Darm als Motor des Multiorganversagens, in: Med Klin Intensivmed Notfmed. 2018 Sep;113(6):470-477.
4) Patel, B. K. et al. (2024): Intestinal Microbiota Interventions to Enhance Athletic Performance - A Review, in: Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 10076.
Author: Yvonne Forster
dipl. eng. food sciences UAS
dipl. dietitian HS