Elite athletes really are different from you and me. Or, at least their gut microbes are.
Scientists who analyzed stool samples of 15 runners a week before and after they competed in the 2015 Boston Marathon found unusually high levels of one particular microbe compared to 10 non-athletes. Levels of the microbe in question, Veillonella, spiked after an intense workout and bloomed even more after the marathon.
advertisement
That was a lightbulb moment for the scientists because the bacterium is known for breaking down and eating lactate, a metabolite even ordinary runners equate with fatigue.
Unlock this article by subscribing to STAT+ and enjoy your first 30 days free!
GET STARTED Log In
Previous article：
2023 STAT Wunderkinds: get to know the winners
Next article： Wildfire smoke exposes gaps in outdoor worker protections
Next article： Wildfire smoke exposes gaps in outdoor worker protections
