How gut bacteria help improve exercise and metabolism through lactate

Gut microbial fermentation products of muscle-derived lactate as mediators of exercise and metabolism

NIH-funded research Joslin Diabetes Center · NIH-11060874

This study is looking at how certain gut bacteria can help turn lactate from exercise into helpful substances that might improve your workout performance and overall health, especially if you have trouble with blood sugar levels. By adding these special bacteria during exercise, the researchers hope to see if it can lead to better health benefits for you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJoslin Diabetes Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11060874 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of gut bacteria in converting lactate produced during exercise into beneficial short chain fatty acids (SCFA). It aims to understand how these SCFA can enhance exercise performance and improve metabolic health, particularly in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance. By supplementing with specific lactate-utilizing bacteria during exercise, the study seeks to boost SCFA levels in the body, potentially leading to better metabolic outcomes. The research will explore the gut-muscle connection and its implications for exercise response and overall health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with impaired glucose tolerance or those looking to enhance their exercise performance.

Not a fit: Patients who do not engage in regular exercise or have no issues with glucose metabolism may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving metabolic health and exercise performance, particularly for those with glucose metabolism issues.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in the role of gut microbiota in metabolism, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.