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Nutrients
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Physical Exercise and Nutrition on the Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology
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Physical Exercise and Nutrition on the Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Prebiotics and Probiotics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 September 2025 | Viewed by 9500

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Moisés Tolentino B. Da Silva

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Guest Editor
Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Immuno-Physiology e Pharmacology, Institute of the Biomedical Science Abel Salazar, (ICBAS), School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines (MedInUP), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Interests: gatrointestinal motility; intestinal bowel disease; physical exercise; intestinal inflammation; enteric nervous system
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. José Luiz de Brito Alves

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Guest Editor
Department of Nutrition, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
Interests: gut microbiota; probiotics; nutrition; arterial hypertension; metabolic disease; translational studies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Francisco L. Torres-Leal

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Guest Editor
Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, Brazil
Interests: nutrition and cancer; supplementation; gut microbiota; exercise; translational studies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Exercise of various intensities, including marathons, triathlons, and cycling competitions, affects the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) by eliciting gut dysmotility symptoms. However, the mechanisms are still unknown. One hypothesis is that the redistribution of blood flow causes gastrointestinal ischemia, mechanical forces, changes in gastrointestinal mucosal activity, neuroendocrine changes, and stress. It is estimated that 30–90% of distance runners presented many symptoms, such as vomiting, nausea, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux, diarrhea, stool bleeding, and more frequent bowel movements. High-intensity exercise decreases gastric emptying, while low-intensity exercise such as walking (at 28, 41, and 56% of VO2 max) and running (at 57 and 65% VO2 max) accelerate it. This Special Issue aims to bring together a collection of papers that evaluate the effects of physical exercise and nutritional approach on gastrointestinal pathophysiology in health and illness. We welcome the submission of manuscripts including, but not limited to, the following topics: exercise, nutrition on gastrointestinal motility and intestinal permeability; microbiota, nutrition, and exercise; exercise, nutrition, and gastrointestinal pathophysiology; exercise, supplemental nutrition, and gastrointestinal pathophysiology.

Dr. Moisés Tolentino Bento da Silva
Prof. Dr. José Luiz de Brito Alves
Dr. Francisco L. Torres-Leal
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • physical exercise
  • nutrition
  • gut microbiota
  • gut permeability
  • probiotics
  • prebiotics
  • physical training
  • gastrointestinal motility

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1586 KiB  
Article
Beyond Nutritional Treatment: Effects of Fitwalking on Physical Capacity and Intestinal Barrier Integrity in BMI-Stratified IBS Patients
by Antonella Bianco, Francesco Russo, Laura Prospero, Giuseppe Riezzo, Isabella Franco, Benedetta D’Attoma, Antonia Ignazzi, Nicola Verrelli, Claudia Beatrice Bagnato, Francesco Goscilo, Domenica Mallardi, Michele Linsalata, Caterina Bonfiglio, Pasqua Letizia Pesole and Annalisa Ferro
Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4181; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234181 - 2 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1315
Abstract
Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and obesity are associated with intestinal barrier alterations that result in low-grade inflammation. Zonulin and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) assess gut barrier health, while urinary indican concentrations reflect dysbiosis in the small intestine. Physical activity, such as [...] Read more.
Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and obesity are associated with intestinal barrier alterations that result in low-grade inflammation. Zonulin and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) assess gut barrier health, while urinary indican concentrations reflect dysbiosis in the small intestine. Physical activity, such as Fitwalking, aids weight management and improves intestinal permeability. This study assesses the impact of a 12-week Fitwalking program on intestinal barrier health in IBS patients categorized by body mass index (BMI). Methods: Fifty-seven mild IBS patients were categorized as obese (OB = 18), overweight (OW = 24), or normal weight (NW = 15) and assigned to a walking group. Participants walked thrice weekly at moderate intensity for 60 min per session, using the specific Fitwalking technique, supervised by staff. Results: No significant changes in biochemical or anthropometric variables were observed. However, Fitwalking improved the Global Physical Capacity Score (GPCS) by 46%, 48%, and 24% in the NW, OW, and OB groups. Post-intervention, serum zonulin levels notably decreased in OB individuals, suggesting reduced inflammation. OW patients unexpectedly showed increased fecal zonulin levels. OB participants experienced decreased urinary indican levels. Zonulin levels positively correlated with BMI and inversely with GPCS. Conclusions: Regular exercise benefits the intestinal barrier, especially in obese IBS patients. Monitoring zonulin and I-FABP may offer insights into gut barrier integrity and GI injury severity. Future studies should explore longer intervention durations, larger populations, and advanced diagnostic tools to validate findings and investigate the mechanisms behind exercise-induced changes in intestinal permeability and gut health markers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Exercise and Nutrition on the Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology)
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19 pages, 2459 KiB  
Article
Regular Exercise Training Induces More Changes on Intestinal Glucose Uptake from Blood and Microbiota Composition in Leaner Compared to Heavier Individuals in Monozygotic Twins Discordant for BMI
by Martin S. Lietzén, Maria Angela Guzzardi, Ronja Ojala, Jaakko Hentilä, Marja A. Heiskanen, Sanna M. Honkala, Riikka Lautamäki, Eliisa Löyttyniemi, Anna K. Kirjavainen, Johan Rajander, Tarja Malm, Leo Lahti, Juha O. Rinne, Kirsi H. Pietiläinen, Patricia Iozzo and Jarna C. Hannukainen
Nutrients 2024, 16(20), 3554; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203554 - 20 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1504
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Obesity impairs intestinal glucose uptake (GU) (intestinal uptake of circulating glucose from blood) and alters gut microbiome. Exercise improves intestinal insulin-stimulated GU and alters microbiome. Genetics influence the risk of obesity and gut microbiome. However, the role of genetics on the effects [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Obesity impairs intestinal glucose uptake (GU) (intestinal uptake of circulating glucose from blood) and alters gut microbiome. Exercise improves intestinal insulin-stimulated GU and alters microbiome. Genetics influence the risk of obesity and gut microbiome. However, the role of genetics on the effects of exercise on intestinal GU and microbiome is unclear. Methods: Twelve monozygotic twin pairs discordant for BMI (age 40.4 ± 4.5 years, BMI heavier 36.7 ± 6.0, leaner 29.1 ± 5.7, 8 female pairs) performed a six-month-long training intervention. Small intestine and colonic insulin-stimulated GU was studied using [18F]FDG-PET and microbiota from fecal samples with 16s rRNA. Results: Ten pairs completed the intervention. At baseline, heavier twins had lower small intestine and colonic GU (p < 0.05). Response to exercise differed between twins (p = 0.05), with leaner twins increasing colonic GU. Alpha and beta diversity did not differ at baseline. During the intervention, beta diversity changed significantly, most prominently at the mid-point (p < 0.01). Beta diversity changes were only significant in the leaner twins when the twin groups were analyzed separately. Exercise was associated with changes at the phylum level, mainly at the mid-point (pFDR < 0.05); at the genus level, several microbes increased, such as Lactobacillus and Sellimonas (pFDR < 0.05). In type 1 analyses, many genera changes were associated with exercise, and fewer, such as Lactobacillus, were also associated with dietary sugar consumption (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Obesity impairs insulin-stimulated intestinal GU independent of genetics. Though both twin groups exhibited some microbiota changes, most changes in insulin-stimulated colon GU and microbiota were significant in the leaner twins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Exercise and Nutrition on the Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology)
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9 pages, 885 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Biochemical, Inflammatory Biomarkers and Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in Children with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Paulo César Trindade Costa, Davyson Barbosa Duarte, Thallyta Alanna Ferreira Viana das Neves, Rúbia Cartaxo Squizato de Moraes, Lydiane de Lima Tavares Toscano, Adélia da Costa Pereira de Arruda Neta, Vinicius José Baccin Martins and José Luiz de Brito Alves
Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2477; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152477 - 31 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2155
Abstract
Objective: This study evaluated anthropometric, biochemical, and inflammatory biomarkers, as well as dietary intake in Brazilian children diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and compared them with their counterparts without SIBO. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with 106 children aged 7 [...] Read more.
Objective: This study evaluated anthropometric, biochemical, and inflammatory biomarkers, as well as dietary intake in Brazilian children diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and compared them with their counterparts without SIBO. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with 106 children aged 7 to 10 years. A glucose-hydrogen breath test was performed to diagnose small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Anthropometric and dietary characteristics were assessed. Blood samples were collected and serum biochemical parameters and cytokines were measured. Results: The occurrence of SIBO was 13.2%. Age, BMI, BMI/age WC, BFP, sex and biochemical markers were similar between SIBO-positive and SIBO-negative children (p > 0.05). High consumption of ultra-processed foods tended to be higher in SIBO-positive compared to SIBO-negative children (47.8 ± 8.2 vs. 42.6 ± 9.5, p = 0.06). Serum levels of IL-17 were higher in SIBO-positive than in SIBO-negative children [69.5 (5.4–125.7) vs. 53.4 (2.3–157.7), p = 0.03], while serum levels of IL-10 were lower in SIBO-positive than in SIBO-negative children [2.3 (0.6–7.2) vs. 5.7 (0.5–30.8), p = 0.04]. Finally, in a logistic regression adjusted for sex, BMI and age, consumption of ultra-processed foods (p = 0.03) and IL-6 levels (p = 0.003) were found to contribute to the occurrence of SIBO. Conclusion: this study identified for the first time an occurrence of 13% of SIBO in children living in the northeastern region of Brazil and showed that consumption of ultra-processed foods and serum levels of IL-6 may influence the occurrence of the SIBO in the pediatrics population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Exercise and Nutrition on the Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology)
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16 pages, 2855 KiB  
Article
Brain Perception of Different Oils on Appetite Regulation: An Anorectic Gene Expression Pattern in the Hypothalamus Dependent on the Vagus Nerve
by Gele de Carvalho Araújo Lopes, Brenda Caroline Rodrigues Miranda, João Orlando Piauilino Ferreira Lima, Jorddam Almondes Martins, Athanara Alves de Sousa, Taline Alves Nobre, Juliana Soares Severo, Tiago Eugênio Oliveira da Silva, Milessa da Silva Afonso, Joana Darc Carola Correia Lima, Emidio Marques de Matos Neto, Lucillia Rabelo de Oliveira Torres, Dennys Esper Cintra, Ana Maria Lottenberg, Marília Seelaender, Moisés Tolentino Bento da Silva and Francisco Leonardo Torres-Leal
Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2397; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152397 - 24 Jul 2024
Viewed by 2265
Abstract
(1) Background: We examined the effect of the acute administration of olive oil (EVOO), linseed oil (GLO), soybean oil (SO), and palm oil (PO) on gastric motility and appetite in rats. (2) Methods: We assessed food intake, gastric retention (GR), and gene expression [...] Read more.
(1) Background: We examined the effect of the acute administration of olive oil (EVOO), linseed oil (GLO), soybean oil (SO), and palm oil (PO) on gastric motility and appetite in rats. (2) Methods: We assessed food intake, gastric retention (GR), and gene expression in all groups. (3) Results: Both EVOO and GLO were found to enhance the rate of stomach retention, leading to a decrease in hunger. On the other hand, the reduction in food intake caused by SO was accompanied by delayed effects on stomach retention. PO caused an alteration in the mRNA expression of NPY, POMC, and CART. Although PO increased stomach retention after 180 min, it did not affect food intake. It was subsequently verified that the absence of an autonomic reaction did not nullify the influence of EVOO in reducing food consumption. Moreover, in the absence of parasympathetic responses, animals that received PO exhibited a significant decrease in food consumption, probably mediated by lower NPY expression. (4) Conclusions: This study discovered that different oils induce various effects on parameters related to food consumption. Specifically, EVOO reduces food consumption primarily through its impact on the gastrointestinal tract, making it a recommended adjunct for weight loss. Conversely, the intake of PO limits food consumption in the absence of an autonomic reaction, but it is not advised due to its contribution to the development of cardiometabolic disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Exercise and Nutrition on the Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology)
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Review

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24 pages, 1664 KiB  
Review
Gut Microbiota Modulation Through Mediterranean Diet Foods: Implications for Human Health
by Pasquale Perrone and Stefania D’Angelo
Nutrients 2025, 17(6), 948; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17060948 - 8 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1935
Abstract
The Mediterranean diet (MD) is widely recognized for its health benefits, particularly in modulating gut microbiota composition and reducing the risk of metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. Characterized by a high intake of plant-based foods, monounsaturated fats, and polyphenols, primarily from extra virgin [...] Read more.
The Mediterranean diet (MD) is widely recognized for its health benefits, particularly in modulating gut microbiota composition and reducing the risk of metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. Characterized by a high intake of plant-based foods, monounsaturated fats, and polyphenols, primarily from extra virgin olive oil, the MD fosters the growth of beneficial gut bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Roseburia, which produce short-chain fatty acids that enhance gut barrier integrity, reduce inflammation, and improve metabolic homeostasis. Clinical and preclinical studies have proved that the MD is associated with increased microbial diversity, reduced pro-inflammatory bacteria, and improved markers of insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, and cognitive function. Additionally, the MD positively influences the gut microbiota in various conditions, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration, potentially mitigating systemic inflammation and enhancing neuroprotective mechanisms. Emerging evidence suggests that MD variants, such as the Green-MD, and their integration with probiotics can further optimize gut microbiota composition and metabolic parameters. While the beneficial impact of the MD on the gut microbiota and overall health is well supported, further long-term clinical trials are needed to better understand individual variability and improve dietary interventions tailored to different populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Exercise and Nutrition on the Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology)
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