The Gut Microbiome as a Missing Link in Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs): A Conceptual Framework

Result code in IS VaVaI

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Result on the web

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DOI - Digital Object Identifier

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Result language

angličtina

Original language name

The Gut Microbiome as a Missing Link in Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs): A Conceptual Framework

Original language description

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) is a multifactorial condition driven by chronic low energy availability (LEA) and characterised by metabolic, endocrine, and physiological impairments that negatively affect athlete health and performance. Although these systemic consequences are well described, the potential role of the gut microbiota as a mechanistic component within the REDs framework remains insufficiently explored. The gut microbiota, a complex microbial ecosystem regulating nutrient absorption, energy metabolism, immune function, hormonal balance, and inflammation, influences many processes disrupted in REDs. This suggests that gut dysbiosis may not only accompany REDs but may also intensify its clinical manifestations. Current evidence indicates that chronic energy restriction, high training volumes, and suboptimal dietary patterns can alter gut microbial composition and function. Observed changes include reduced microbial diversity, lower short-chain fatty acid production, increased intestinal permeability, and a shift towards pro-inflammatory taxa. These alterations may contribute to systemic inflammation, reduced metabolic flexibility, disturbances in appetite regulation, and endocrine dysfunction, aligning with established REDs mechanisms. Findings from eating disorder research provide additional support. Individuals exhibiting restrictive eating behaviours show consistent patterns of dysbiosis, diminished SCFA production, disrupted satiety signalling, and alterations in the gut–brain axis. While athletes represent a distinct physiological population, these observations highlight plausible pathways through which LEA may influence both physical and psychological dimensions of REDs via microbiota-mediated mechanisms. Moderate physical activity and adequate energy intake generally promote microbial diversity and functional stability. In contrast, chronic high-volume training without sufficient dietary support may compromise intestinal barrier function, recovery capacity, and immune resilience. In athletes, these disturbances can manifest as gastrointestinal symptoms, impaired nutrient absorption, reduced training adaptation, and increased susceptibility to illness. The gut–brain axis further provides a 3031potential link between microbiota alterations and psychological symptoms commonly associated with REDs, including fatigue, low mood, and heightened stress reactivity. This presentation introduces an integrative theoretical framework connecting LEA-induced microbial alterations with REDs-related health and performance outcomes. By synthesising insights from exercise physiology, endocrinology, nutrition science, and microbiome research, the model outlines how dysbiosis may function as both a marker and mediator of physiological stress and energy deficiency. Potential applications may involve investigating whether gut microbiota profiling can provide additional insight into physiological stress associated with low energy availability, and evaluating nutritional strategies that may support microbial stability, including optimised dietary fibre intake, microbiota-accessible carbohydrates, or targeted probiotic and prebiotic interventions. While these approaches require further validation, they may represent promising avenues for expanding current frameworks of athlete health assessment

Czech name

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Czech description

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Type

O - Miscellaneous

CEP classification

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OECD FORD branch

30306 - Sport and fitness sciences

Project

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Continuities

S - Specificky vyzkum na vysokych skolach

Publication year

2025

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů