Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are metabolites produced in the gut via microbial
fermentation of dietary fibers referred to as microbiota-accessible carbohydrates
(MACs).
Acetate, propionate, and butyrate have been observed to regulate host dietary nutrient
metabolism, energy balance, and local and systemic immune functions. In vitro and
in vivo
experiments have shown links between the presence of bacteria-derived SCFAs and host
health through the blunting of inflammatory processes, as well as purported protection
from the development of illness associated with respiratory infections. This bank
of
evidence suggests that SCFAs could be beneficial to enhance the athlete’s immunity,
as
well as act to improve exercise recovery via anti-inflammatory activity and to provide
additional energy substrates for exercise performance. However, the mechanistic basis
and
applied evidence for these relationships in humans have yet to be fully established.
In
this narrative review, we explore the existing knowledge of SCFA synthesis and the
functional importance of the gut microbiome composition to induce SCFA production.
Further, changes in gut microbiota associated with exercise and various dietary MACs
are
described. Finally, we provide suggestions for future research and practical applications,
including how these metabolites could be manipulated through dietary fiber intake
to
optimize immunity and energy metabolism.
Key words
SCFA - gut microbiome - dietary fiber - athlete
