2025 Microbiome Study
In 2025, a study published in Microorganisms collected stool samples from 14 female World Tour cyclists and 13 matched non-athlete controls during the off-season. The researchers found significant differences in the microbiome composition between the two groups.
The cyclists had a distinct microbiome profile, with 72.7% Bacteroidota and 22.1% Firmicutes, compared to 15.3% Bacteroidota and 62.5% Firmicutes in the controls.
Fibre-Fermenting Bacteria Depletion
The study also found that the fibre-fermenting families, Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae, were depleted in the cyclists. This depletion was attributed to a carbohydrate-focused and relatively low-fibre training diet.
The researchers noted that the cyclists' diet may have contributed to the depletion of these beneficial bacteria, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet that includes sufficient fibre intake.
Short-Chain Fatty Acid Levels
Despite the differences in microbiome composition, the study found that short-chain fatty acid levels in stool did not differ between the cyclists and controls. This suggests that the cyclists' microbiome is not necessarily worse, but rather different.
This finding emphasizes the complexity of the human microbiome and the need for further research to understand the relationships between diet, microbiome, and overall health.
Practical Implications
The study's findings have practical implications for individuals looking to support their gut health. A daily prebiotic fibre powder, such as BIOMEWARD, can help increase fibre intake and support the growth of beneficial bacteria.
With 30 serves per 165g pouch, BIOMEWARD provides a convenient way to incorporate more fibre into your diet, with a blend of 32g PHGG, 23g psyllium, 16g resistant potato starch, 14g acacia, and 7g inulin per 100g.