Bacteria found in the human intestine capable of improving muscle strength

Summary

The University of Granada participates in research linking a bacterium of the Roseburia genus with improved physical condition This finding could lead to a probiotic for human consumption that helps maintain strength and fitness during aging The study has been published in the prestigious scientific journal Gut Scientists from the University of Almería and the University of Granada, together with researchers from Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC, Netherlands), have identified an intestinal bacterium of the genus Roseburia associated with stronger muscles and improved physical condition. The results support the concept of an intestine-muscle axis. “Taken together, our findings provide solid evidence confirming the existence of an gut-muscle axis in which this identified bacterium positively modulates muscle metabolism and muscle strength,” says Jonatan Ruiz, professor in the Department of Physical Education and Sport at the UGR and researcher at the Joint University Institute for Sport and Health (iMUDS). In addition, the scientists have observed that the bacterium is less abundant in older adults than in young adults, suggesting that its levels may decrease with age, a period in which muscle mass is lost. “This opens up the possibility that the bacterium under investigation could be used as a probiotic to help preserve muscle strength during aging,” explains Borja Martínez Téllez, a researcher at the University of Almería. Relationship between gut bacteria and muscle performance The team analyzed whether certain gut microbes are associated with muscle strength and physical condition. To do this, they studied stool samples from 90 healthy young adults (18–25 years old) and 33 older adults (65 years old or older). The participants in the experiments also performed several physical fitness tests, including handgrip strength, leg strength, and upper body strength (pectoral muscles), and their maximum oxygen consumption, an indicator of cardiorespiratory capacity, ...