Scientists research the effects of environmental toxins on the microbiome of top athletes

19 Jul 2024 --- A team from the Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) in collaboration with the Swiss Research Institute for Sports Medicine have prioritized the health of athletes and physically active people in their current line of research. They are looking into the effects of environmental pollutants and nutrition on the barrier function of the skin, respiratory tract and digestive tract.

The epithelial barrier is of particular importance because it is an important defense against viruses, bacteria, allergens and environmental pollutants. Keeping it intact is essential to health and well-being.

Cleaning products, air pollutants, micro and nano plastic particles and food additives can damage the barrier function of skin and mucous membranes, which can lead to a disturbed composition of the skin and gut microbiome. It can also lead to chronic inflammatory reactions.

Top athletes are more susceptible to the collective exposure and in combination with the special nutrition they ingest can affect their health and sports performance.

Resistance to infection
The study, published in the journal Allergy, highlights the fact that athletes are faced with particular challenges due to their increased risk of exposure to these substances. Athletes will need to pay more attention to their diet and protect their epithelial barriers to optimize their performance.

A review of the scientific literature demonstrates how food preferences, in particular the consumption of processed foods, can impair the epithelial barrier function. Consuming emulsifiers and other additives in sports nutrition can lead to a disruption of the epithelial barriers and microbiome, which is associated with an increased risk of several diseases such as allergies, autoimmunity and neuropsychiatric conditions.

According to the researchers, athletes’ high-calorie diets rely on processed foods that may contain food emulsifiers and other additives that may cause epithelial barrier dysfunction and microbial dysbiosis. The type of the material used in sport equipment and clothing in combination with extensive exposure may increase inflammatory effects. 

Excessive travel-related stress, sleep disturbances and different food and microbe exposure are additional factors. 

Athletes will need to maintain a healthy microbiome to reduce long-term health consequences. Reduced resistance to infection, and increased hygiene conditions and burden of air pollution affect the health and performance of the athletes. That then also depends on their intensity of exercise whether indoor, outdoor or water sports. 

Holistic approach favored
Damage to the skin and mucosal epithelial barriers can lead to diseases mediated by local inflammation in the tissues and microbial dysbiosis. The study highlights that since the 1960s, there has been an unprecedented rise in the prevalence of allergic, autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases, currently affecting more than two billion people worldwide.

A new wave of diseases such as food allergy and eosinophilic esophagitis reached epidemic proportions in the 2000s. Particulate matter, diesel exhaust particles, cigarette smoke, nano- and microplastics, household cleaners, laundry and dishwasher detergents, chlorine, surfactants and emulsifiers from food and toothpaste have a negative effect on athletes. Preservatives from processed foods and pesticides are also a concern.

According to the research, novel concepts highlight a holistic approach to overall health and physical performance of professional sporters and physically active persons which is linked with their nutrition and exposure to pollution or toxic substances.