How gut bacteria help improve exercise and metabolism through lactate
Official title: Gut microbial fermentation products of muscle-derived lactate as mediators of exercise and metabolism
Funded at Joslin Diabetes Center · NIH-11060874 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Joslin Diabetes Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $593,332 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK129850-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060874 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with impaired glucose tolerance or those looking to enhance their exercise performance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not engage in regular exercise or have no issues with glucose metabolism may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Joslin Diabetes Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kostic, Aleksandar David — Joslin Diabetes Center
- Study coordinator: Kostic, Aleksandar David
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.