Nutritional and physiological demands shape the gut microbiome of female world tour cyclists
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Abstract
his cross-sectional study investigated whether elite female World Tour cyclists have a specific gut microbiome compared to non-athlete female controls, potentially resulting from the unique physiological and dietary demands of high-level endurance cycling. Fourteen female cyclists and thirteen matched controls provided fecal samples during a period of reduced training (off-season cycling). The samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) quantification. The results revealed significant differences in microbiome composition. The cyclists showed a higher abundance of Bacteroidota (72.7% vs. 15.3%) and a lower abundance of Firmicutes (22.1% vs. 62.5%) compared to the controls, along with reduced alpha-diversity (Shannon index, p < 0.05). Fiber-fermenting families such as Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae were depleted, consistent with a carbohydrate-focused and relatively low-fiber diet. Interestingly, fecal SCFA levels did not differ, suggesting functional adaptation of the microbiome. These findings indicate that the elite female cyclists may have developed a “performance-adapted” gut microbiome. However, due to the cross-sectional design, causality cannot be established, and the long-term health implications remain uncertain.
Description
Keywords
cycling performance, female cyclists, gut health, gut microbiome, nutrition
Citation
Ampe, T., Decroix, L., De Pauw, K., Meeusen, R., Demuyser, T. and Roelands, B., 2025. Nutritional and Physiological Demands Shape the Gut Microbiome of Female World Tour Cyclists. Microorganisms, 13(10), p.2345.