Gut microbiome and functional adaptations to paleo and rational diets in professional athletes

The present study aimed to comprehensively analyze and compare the structure and functional characteristics of the gut microbiome in professional handball players following an 8-week intervention of either a paleo diet or a rational diet. By integrating detailed dietary records with metagenomic sequencing data (microbiome taxonomic and functional profiles) across multiple time points, we sought to determine how these distinct macronutrient compositions and associated dietary changes affect the gut microbial community. Furthermore, the study explored potential interrelationships between the gut microbiome, diet quality, body composition metrics, and physiological indicators of physical performance.