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Nutritional patterns of elite athletes and how they affect their microbiome (Master thesis)

Κουβαλιάς, Σπυρίδων/ Kouvalias, Spyridon/ Τρόφιμα, Διατροφή και Μικροβίωμα

In recent years, the human gut microbiome has emerged as a critical regulator of metabolic function, immune response, and physiological adaptation in the human body. In elite sports, where the demands on performance, recovery, and endurance are particularly high, the interaction between the microbiome, diet, and physical exercise takes on special significance. The aim of this paper is to systematically investigate how the dietary patterns of elite athletes affect the composition and functionality of the gut microbiome, as well as to analyze the potential for applying modern nutritional interventions in high-level sports. First, the basic concepts of the human microbiome, its biological functions, and the factors that influence its formation are presented. Next, the relationship between physical exercise and the microbiome is analyzed, with an emphasis on the particularities of the elite athletic environment. This is followed by an extensive analysis of macronutrients and micronutrients, dietary patterns and their ratios, as well as their effect on microbial balance, inflammation, and recovery. Finally, contemporary and emerging approaches, such as probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and personalized nutrition based on the microbiome, are examined, highlighting their limitations, applications, and future prospects. The paper demonstrates that nutrition is a powerful tool for regulating the microbiome in elite sports, with clear implications for both performance optimization and the long-term health of the athlete, provided that a holistic and personalized approach is taken