Gut microbiota patterns linked to fitness level and intestinal health
Characterization of the Gut Microbiota Metagenomic Signature According to Physical Fitness and Its Implications for Intestinal Health.
This project will test whether different fitness levels in healthy young men are linked to different gut bacteria and signs of intestinal health.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | University of Rennes 2 Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bruz, Britanny) |
| Trial ID | NCT07276464 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study will enroll healthy male volunteers aged 18–30 with BMI 18–25 and sort them into low-to-moderate, trained, or highly trained groups based on weekly endurance training and measured VO₂max. Participants will complete submaximal and maximal exercise tests and provide fecal samples for bacterial metagenome sequencing and short-chain fatty acid analysis. Investigators will compare microbial diversity, functional pathways, and metabolites associated with intestinal barrier integrity and inflammation across fitness groups. The goal is to relate objective fitness measures and training load to gut microbiota signatures relevant to intestinal health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are non-smoking men aged 18–30 with BMI 18–25, regular bowel habits, no history of gastrointestinal disease, and who meet the study's defined training levels (from 2 hours to ≥10 hours weekly) and provide informed consent.
Not a fit: People unlikely to benefit include women, individuals outside the age or BMI criteria, smokers, those with gastrointestinal disease or irregular bowel habits, or anyone unable to perform exercise testing or attend the Rennes site.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could help tailor exercise recommendations to support a healthier gut microbiome and stronger intestinal barrier in young adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has found that athletes often have greater gut microbial diversity and higher SCFA production, but directly linking fitness-defined groups to intestinal barrier markers is still an emerging area.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male participant * Aged between 18 and 30 years (inclusive) * Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 25 kg/m² (inclusive) * No history of gastrointestinal disease, including inflammatory bowel disease * Be a non-smoker. * Have a regular bowel transit (1-2 bowel movements per day or every other day) without recurrent episodes of diarrhea or constipation * Having provided free, informed, and written consent to participate in the study * Training status : * Low to moderate active subjects : Perform 2 to 4 hours per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity (VO₂max between 40 and 50 mL·min-¹·kg-¹). * Trained subjects : Perform 5 to 7 hours per week of regular endurance training for at least one year (VO₂max between 50 and 65 mL·min-¹·kg-¹). Highly trained subjects : Perform at least 10 hours per week of structured endurance training, with daily or twice-daily sessions (VO₂max greater than 65 mL·min-¹·kg-¹). Exclusion Criteria: * History of cardiovascular disease. * Presence of a metabolic disorder (e.g., diabetes). * Use of antibiotics, antifungal, or antiparasitic agents within the past 3 months, or planned use during participation in the study. * Use of prebiotic and/or probiotic supplements within the 7 days preceding the study, providing ≥10⁸ CFU or organisms per day. * Current use of medication for chronic pain management, including paracetamol, vasodilators, homeopathic treatments, or aspirin at doses \>500 mg/day. * Simultaneous participation in another clinical study involving human subjects, or recent participation in a previous study for which the exclusion period has not yet expired.
Where this trial is running
Bruz, Britanny
- University Rennes 2 - Laboratory "Movement, Sport and health Sciences" — Bruz, Britanny, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Frédéric DERBRE, PhD — Laboratory of Movement, Sport and health Sciences (M2S)
- Study coordinator: Frédéric DERBRE, PhD
- Email: frederic.derbre@univ-rennes2.fr
- Phone: +33290091580
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.